Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 23.6′, the Merlin 29 Westerly tops out around 6.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.6′ LWL = 6.5 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
38.8%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
262
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Merlin 29 Westerly sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Mirage 29
Sigma 292
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Merlin 29 Westerly.
| Merlin 29 Westerly | First 277 Beneteau | J/29 | Mirage 29 | Regatta 290 Westerly | Sigma 292 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 29.0 | 29.0 | 29.0 | 29.0 | 29.0 | 29.0 |
| LWL | 23.6 | 27.2 | 24.3 | 24.3 | 23.0 | 23.0 |
| Beam | 9.9 | 9.8 | 10.7 | 10.5 | 9.9 | 10.1 |
| Displacement | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Ballast | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | 448 | 392 | — | 330 | 412 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | 174 | — | 186 |
| SA/Disp | — | 23.0 | 21.3 | — | 13.6 | 18.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 38.8 | — | 40.5 | 33.8 | 43.3 | 40.9 |
| Comfort | — | 14.6 | 22.1 | — | 22.6 | 19.0 |
| Capsize | — | 2.23 | 1.76 | — | 2.01 | 2.15 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.0 | 7.5 | — | 6.4 | 6.4 |