Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.0 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 14.2′, the Wivenhoe tops out around 5.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.2′ LWL = 5.0 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
13.3%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier than the numbers suggest.
Displacement / Length
82
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.0kts
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 Wivenhoe.
| Wivenhoe | Albacore | Barnegat Bay Sneakbox | Mercury 15 Cb Cape Cod | Mystic River Catboat | Swordfish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| LWL | 14.2 | 14.8 | 13.0 | 13.8 | — | 14.5 |
| Beam | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 5.4 | 7.0 | 5.0 |
| Displacement | 525 | 240 | 400 | 470 | 475 | 875 |
| Ballast | 70 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sail Area | — | — | 156 | 119 | — | 130 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | — | 46.0 | 31.5 | — | 22.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 13.3 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | — | 4.4 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 10.8 |
| Capsize | — | — | 3.12 | 2.79 | — | 2.09 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 5.1 |