Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.3′, the Spartan 1 Buchanan tops out around 5.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.3′ LWL = 5.7 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
61.8%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
399
Heavy displacement — a slow, steady, seakindly hull.
Hull Speed
5.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Spartan 1 Buchanan sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
South Coast 23
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Spartan 1 Buchanan.
| Spartan 1 Buchanan | Blue Moon 23 | Marlin Heritage 23 | Mermaid Class | South Coast 23 | Spartan 2 Buchanan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 |
| LWL | 18.3 | 20.0 | 16.9 | 14.3 | 17.5 | 18.3 |
| Beam | 6.5 | 8.5 | 7.6 | 5.8 | 7.3 | 6.5 |
| Displacement | 5 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Ballast | 3 | 2 | 1 | 930 | 1 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 410 | — | 194 | 246 | 250 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | — | 270 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 16.4 | — | 18.4 | 16.4 | 12.9 |
| Bal/Disp | 61.8 | 28.6 | 36.4 | — | — | 61.8 |
| Comfort | — | 34.4 | — | 19.6 | 21.6 | 35.6 |
| Capsize | — | 1.70 | — | 1.77 | 1.87 | 1.48 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.0 | — | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.7 |