Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 11.0′, the Sparkler tops out around 4.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √11.0′ LWL = 4.4 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
57
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Sparkler.
| Sparkler | Beverly Dinghy | Cape Dory 10 | Penguin | Sailfish Alcort | Topper | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 11.0 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.2 |
| LWL | 11.0 | — | 10.0 | — | — | — |
| Beam | 3.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.7 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| Displacement | 170 | 207 | 150 | 140 | 82 | 99 |
| Sail Area | — | 66 | 68 | — | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 30.2 | 38.6 | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 4.2 | 3.5 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.5 |
| Capsize | — | 3.04 | 3.07 | — | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 |