Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 40.3′, the Whistler 48 tops out around 8.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √40.3′ LWL = 8.5 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
37.9%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
246
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
8.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
12lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Whistler 48 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Alden 46
Peterson 46
Hans Christian 48
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Whistler 48.
| Whistler 48 | Alden 46 | Hans Christian 48 | Mariner 47 Brewer | Ocean Cruising 48 | Peterson 46 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 47.7 | 47.7 | 47.8 | 47.5 | 47.6 | 47.5 |
| LWL | 40.3 | 37.1 | 41.3 | 37.0 | 36.0 | 40.6 |
| Beam | 13.9 | 13.5 | 14.3 | 13.8 | 13.8 | 13.0 |
| Displacement | 35 | 32 | 44 | 29 | 29 | 33 |
| Ballast | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 11 | — |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | 1,125 | — | — | 878 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 84 | 120 | — | — | 87 |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.2 | 14.5 | — | — | 13.6 |
| Bal/Disp | 37.9 | 40.6 | 33.4 | 39.0 | 39.1 | — |
| Comfort | — | 38.4 | 45.7 | — | — | 39.6 |
| Capsize | — | 1.70 | 1.62 | — | — | 1.62 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.2 | 8.6 | — | — | 8.5 |