For boats of the same length, generally the higher the S#, the lower the PHRF.īN - Bruce Number: The Bruce Number is a power-to-weight ratio for relative speed potential for comparing two or more boats. The equation incorporates SA/Disp (100% fore triangle) and Disp/length ratios to create a guide to probable boat performance vs. S# first appeared (that we know of) in TellTales, April 1988, “On a Scale of One to Ten” by A.P. The displacement in cubic feet can be found by dividing the displacement in pounds by 64. The lower the better.ĬSF = Beam/Disp (cubic ft)^.333. The boat is better suited for ocean passages (vs coastal cruising) if the result of the calculation is 2.0 or less. The CSF compares beam with displacement since excess beam contributes to capsize and heavy displacement reduces capsize vulnerability. 3 LOA) x Beam^1.33), where displacement is expressed in pounds, and length is expressed in feet.ĭesigned to determine if a boat has blue water capability. Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy bluewater boat.Ĭomfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL +. Numbers below 20 indicate a lightweight racing boat ģ0 to 40 indicates a moderate bluewater cruising boat Ĥ0 to 50 indicates a heavy bluewater boat Consider, though, that the typical summertime coastal cruiser will rarely encounter the wind and seas that an ocean going yacht will meet. It is based on the fact that the faster the motion the more upsetting it is to the average person. It provides a reasonable comparison between yachts of similar size and type. This is a ratio created by Ted Brewer as a measure of motion comfort. The lower a boat's Displacement/Length (LWL) ratio, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed. Racing equipment is available, along with fishing equipment and accessories designed for sailboat models, and more.A sail area/displacement ratio below 16 would be considered under powered ġ6 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance Ībove 20 suggests relatively high performance.Ī Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that will be better able to stand up to the wind.īal./Disp = ballast (lbs)/ displacement (lbs)*100 There are premium navigation and communication systems available, as well as living essentials like marine appliances for overnight cruisers. These boats can be upgraded with premium sails and rigs, and sail covers are available to protect the boat when not in use.
With so many subclasses of sailboats available, the selection of optional equipment and accessories is nearly endless. What Optional Equipment is Available for Sailboats? There are also optional inboard and outboard motors available for many subclasses, allowing for easy mooring and additional power on days when the winds are still. Some sailboats can be equipped with wind makers, generators, and other tools to assist with generating more power. Their primary source of power is the wind, which is captured through the use of sails, masts, and rigging lines. Sailboats, as the name implies, are not powered by engines at all. There are also a number of sailboat subclasses, such as the catamaran, that are made with premium fiberglass materials for a more durable, lower-maintenance design. More rustic and ancient designs may have used whatever wood was available, but modern construction allows for the use of premium marine lumber products.
How are Sailboats built?Ĭlassically, sailboats were built out of marine wood or other wood materials. Some of the first sailboats on record date back as far as Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, although it is likely this type of boat construction has been used for centuries even before that point. Sailboats are available in a variety of models and rigs, including racing boats, sloops, schooners, catamarans, trimarans, sailing cruisers, and others. A sailboat refers to any class and subclass of boat that is designed with one or more masts and rigging system as the main source of propulsion.