The Udell is modestly canvassed and unhurried, with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 27.3′, the Udell tops out around 7.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √27.3′ LWL = 7.0 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
13.6
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
52.2%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
101
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
19.9
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
1.55
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
625lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
19.9
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.55
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Udell sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Cruiser/Racer 90–150
Cruiser 150–210
Heavy Cruiser 210–300
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail |
6 kts TWS |
10 kts TWS |
15 kts TWS |
20 kts TWS |
| Close-hauled40–50° |
2.5 |
3.2 |
3.6 |
3.7 |
| Close Reach60° |
3.0 |
3.9 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
| Beam Reach90° |
3.7 |
4.7 |
5.3 |
5.7 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
3.5 |
4.4 |
4.9 |
5.3 |
| Run150–180° |
2.8 |
3.5 |
3.9 |
4.1 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (7.0 kts),
SA/D (13.6), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Udell — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–8 kts
8–24 kts
24–34 kts
34+ kts
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–24 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
24–34 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
34+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Udell.
|
Udell |
Cape Dory 36 |
Mistral 36 Alden |
Nicholson 36 |
Ohlson 36 Mkii |
Tiburon 36 |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
36.3 |
36.1 |
36.3 |
36.3 |
36.3 |
36.2 |
| LWL |
27.3 |
27.0 |
26.5 |
26.0 |
25.7 |
29.3 |
| Beam |
6.4 |
10.7 |
10.5 |
9.5 |
9.7 |
11.4 |
| Displacement |
4 |
16 |
14 |
16 |
13 |
21 |
| Ballast |
2 |
6 |
3 |
— |
— |
7 |
| Sail Area |
235 |
622 |
— |
565 |
— |
— |
| Performance |
| PHRF |
— |
165 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
| SA/Disp |
13.6 |
15.7 |
— |
13.8 |
— |
— |
| Bal/Disp |
52.2 |
37.6 |
24.0 |
— |
— |
33.3 |
| Comfort |
19.9 |
35.7 |
— |
44.7 |
35.0 |
— |
| Capsize |
1.55 |
1.69 |
— |
1.48 |
1.63 |
— |
| Hull Speed |
7.0 |
7.0 |
— |
6.8 |
6.8 |
— |