Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 21.0′, the Seaward 23 tops out around 6.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √21.0′ LWL = 6.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
273s/nm
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Ballast / Displacement
33.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
130
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
6.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
4lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Seaward 23 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Merit 25
Capri 25 Catalina
Santana 525
Pacific Seacraft 25 1
Seaward 23
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Seaward 23.
| Seaward 23 | Capri 25 Catalina | Merit 25 | Pacific Seacraft 25 1 | Santana 525 | Seidelmann 25 Sd | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 24.5 | 24.6 | 24.5 | 24.5 | 24.6 | 24.5 |
| LWL | 21.0 | 19.2 | 20.0 | 21.0 | 18.5 | 20.0 |
| Beam | 8.3 | 9.2 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.3 | 9.5 |
| Displacement | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Ballast | 900 | 900 | 1 | 1 | 950 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | 276 | — | 236 | 261 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 273 | 174 | 171 | 234 | 189 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 21.5 | — | 13.4 | 23.4 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 33.3 | 30.5 | 36.2 | 36.8 | 39.6 | 47.8 |
| Comfort | — | 11.5 | — | 20.9 | 9.3 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.56 | — | 1.91 | 2.79 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.9 | — | 6.1 | 5.8 | — |