The Windrider 17 is 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.
5.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
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
45
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
1.3
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
6.44
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
5.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
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
1.3
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
6.44
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Windrider 17 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 170
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Windrider 17.
| Windrider 17 | Com-Pac Picnic Cat | Hobie 17 | Hunter 170 | Nacra 17 | Nacra 52 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 17.3 | 17.4 | 17.0 | 17.1 | 17.2 | 17.0 |
| LWL | — | 15.5 | — | 12.1 | — | — |
| Beam | 11.0 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Displacement | 320 | 2 | 315 | 478 | 304 | 350 |
| Ballast | — | 700 | — | — | — | — |
| Sail Area | 96 | 175 | 168 | 150 | 216 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | 258 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.1 | 58.1 | 39.3 | 76.5 | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | 33.3 | — | — | — | — |
| Comfort | 1.3 | 12.6 | — | 4.1 | — | 2.2 |
| Capsize | 6.44 | 2.50 | — | 3.58 | — | 4.54 |
| Hull Speed | 5.1 | 5.3 | — | 4.7 | — | 5.1 |