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 14.3′, the Strale tops out around 5.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.3′ 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.
Displacement / Length
41
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
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 Strale.
| Strale | 490 | Comet Od Usa | Fireball | Hornet | Wayfarer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.1 | 16.1 | 16.0 | 16.2 | 16.0 | 15.8 |
| LWL | 14.3 | 14.7 | 15.0 | 13.3 | 15.0 | 14.8 |
| Beam | 5.2 | 5.7 | 5.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
| Displacement | 265 | 280 | 260 | 170 | 300 | 372 |
| Sail Area | — | 155 | 140 | 123 | — | 141 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 58.0 | 55.0 | 64.2 | — | 43.7 |
| Comfort | — | 2.8 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 4.0 | 3.4 |
| Capsize | — | 3.49 | 3.45 | 3.19 | 2.74 | 3.38 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.1 | 5.2 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.2 |