Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 14.5′, the Sovereign 50 tops out around 5.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.5′ LWL = 5.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
46.3%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
198
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Sovereign 50 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Montgomery 17
Vagabond 17
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Sovereign 50.
| Sovereign 50 | Adventurer 17 | Holder 17 | Montgomery 17 | Siren 17 | Vagabond 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.1 | 17.2 | 17.0 |
| LWL | 14.5 | 14.5 | 15.0 | 15.8 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Beam | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 |
| Displacement | 1 | 1 | 950 | 1 | 750 | 950 |
| Ballast | 625 | 625 | 345 | 550 | 130 | 345 |
| Sail Area | — | 138 | 147 | 154 | 139 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | 264 | — | 270 |
| SA/Disp | — | 18.1 | 24.4 | 19.7 | 27.0 | 13.6 |
| Bal/Disp | 46.3 | 46.3 | 36.3 | 39.3 | 17.3 | 36.3 |
| Comfort | — | 10.2 | 6.7 | 9.4 | 5.9 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.54 | 2.95 | 2.62 | 2.94 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.2 | — |