Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 25.0′, the Spencer 35 Mk I tops out around 6.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √25.0′ LWL = 6.7 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
35.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
343
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Spencer 35 Mk I sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Ct 35
Dickerson 35
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Spencer 35 Mk I.
| Spencer 35 Mk I | Alc 35 Le Comte | Ct 35 | Dickerson 35 | Sovereign 35 | Voyager 35 Primrose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 35.0 | 35.0 | 35.0 | 35.0 | 35.0 | 35.0 |
| LWL | 25.0 | 26.2 | 26.8 | 26.8 | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Beam | 9.5 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 10.0 | 10.5 |
| Displacement | 12 | 12 | 16 | 12 | 16 | 12 |
| Ballast | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Sail Area | — | 569 | 483 | 590 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 198 | 204 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.4 | 11.8 | 18.1 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | 35.0 | 48.3 | 31.4 | 33.3 | 38.1 | 41.3 |
| Comfort | — | 30.0 | 35.9 | 27.9 | 41.0 | — |
| Capsize | — | 1.75 | 1.74 | 1.82 | 1.58 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.8 | — |