Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.5′, the Trotter tops out around 5.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.5′ LWL = 5.8 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
175
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
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 Trotter.
| Trotter | Cap Horn | Golif Jouet | Muscadet | Splinter 21 | Sylphe Dufour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 21.3 | 21.3 | 21.3 | 21.3 | 21.2 | 21.4 |
| LWL | 18.5 | 19.7 | 19.4 | 18.4 | 17.0 | 19.3 |
| Beam | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 7.9 |
| Displacement | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Ballast | — | 880 | 1 | 1 | 900 | 882 |
| Sail Area | — | 240 | 232 | 205 | 163 | 222 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 24.3 | 18.4 | 17.2 | 13.2 | 16.4 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 44.0 | — | 43.3 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 11.3 | 15.4 | 14.8 | 18.2 | 15.7 |
| Capsize | — | 2.25 | 2.09 | 2.15 | 1.95 | 2.15 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 |