Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.2 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.0′, the Wildfire tops out around 5.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.0′ LWL = 5.2 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
40.3%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
82
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.2kts
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 Wildfire.
| Wildfire | Day Sailer Ii | Daysailer | Leisure 17 | Seahawk 17 | Windjammer 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.8 | 16.8 | 16.8 | 17.0 | 16.8 | 16.8 |
| LWL | 15.0 | 15.5 | 15.5 | 14.0 | 14.4 | 14.7 |
| Beam | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.3 |
| Displacement | 620 | 575 | 575 | 1 | 1 | 250 |
| Ballast | 250 | — | — | 550 | 441 | — |
| Sail Area | — | — | — | 148 | 115 | 158 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | — | — | 18.3 | 16.3 | 63.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 40.3 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 11.5 | 10.1 | 2.2 |
| Capsize | — | — | — | 2.46 | 2.45 | 4.02 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.1 |