Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 36.8′, the Sly 43 tops out around 8.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √36.8′ LWL = 8.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
32.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
156
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
8.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
10lbs
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 Sly 43.
| Sly 43 | Arcona 415 | Clubswan 42 | Italia 1298 | Solaris 43 | Sun Odyssey 440 Jeanneau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 42.6 | 42.4 | 42.6 | 42.6 | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| LWL | 36.8 | 36.8 | 37.0 | 36.4 | 34.5 | 39.4 |
| Beam | 13.0 | 12.8 | 12.9 | 13.7 | 13.8 | 14.1 |
| Displacement | 17 | 18 | 15 | 17 | 24 | 18 |
| Ballast | 5 | — | 7 | — | — | 5 |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | 1,018 | 1 | — | 842 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 25.3 | 25.8 | 26.4 | — | 19.1 |
| Bal/Disp | 32.0 | — | 44.1 | — | — | 26.6 |
| Comfort | — | 24.9 | 21.2 | 21.8 | 30.9 | 21.4 |
| Capsize | — | 1.94 | 2.05 | 2.11 | 1.91 | 2.12 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 8.4 |