Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 23.0′, the Ranger 85 tops out around 6.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.0′ LWL = 6.4 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
42.0%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
183
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
6.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
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 Ranger 85.
| Ranger 85 | Aloha 85 | Ericson 28 2 | S2 85 | S2 86 | Spirit 28 Finch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| LWL | 23.0 | 24.5 | 23.3 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 23.0 |
| Beam | 9.5 | 9.4 | 10.0 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10.0 |
| Displacement | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Ballast | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | 395 | 411 | — | 390 | 365 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 17.8 | 17.2 | — | 16.2 | 16.2 |
| Bal/Disp | 42.0 | 40.7 | 42.7 | 39.5 | — | 42.0 |
| Comfort | — | 20.6 | 21.8 | — | 24.2 | 20.3 |
| Capsize | — | 2.00 | 2.05 | — | 1.94 | 2.10 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.6 | 6.5 | — | 6.4 | 6.4 |