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Ensign Sailing Forum

Hull Speed
Author Last Post
9/5/2025 2:19 PM
Thanks Zeke. I too think it's better than 5.5.  
9/5/2025 11:48 AM
In all my days, and figuring that question out, it's 6.5 kts. But let me add I've had them up to 14 kts surfing down Lake Erie waves. So go figure. The boat gets sucked down so you're just barely keeping the water from coming over the bow. 
Don't try this at home or by yourself. 

Zeke
 
9/5/2025 9:53 AM

Hi Robert, the GPS is measuring your speed over the ground. I suspect the fact that you are "beating" hull speed means that you are getting a boost from current or tidal flow. Also, hull speed is determined by length at the waterline. I'm guessing that the waterline may grow a little as the boat heels. Not sure how much that's true for the Ensign, or by how much it may increase theoretical hull speed. But I bet there are members on this forum that have it all figured out!
9/5/2025 9:48 AM
Robert:

The formula, as I recall it, is 1.34 times the square root of the water line length.  The difference between the calculated hull speed and the measured speed may be because the water line length is "extended" when the boat is underway.  The overhang at the transom adds considerably to the water line length and as a result to the calculated theoretical hull speed.  Designs such as the Ensign with the overhangs may come from the old measurement rules for handicap systems and in effect is a bit of a "rule beater".  Not sure if I am correct with this, but that has been my take when seeing actual speeds in excess of the calculated hull speed.

On Lake Erie with PHRF LE and PHRF SS, the Ensign has a rating of 261 which works fine under "ideal" conditions.  Very difficult to ever beat a sport boat - VX One, Melges 32, etc.

Nick Lubar
Ensign 1556
Fleet 29 - Cleveland
9/5/2025 8:55 AM

Good morning. I have a question about Ensign hull speed which is @ 5.5 knots. I recently put a battery operated GPS on the boat. (Maptattoo). It helps me find marks in our PHRF sailing. But it also gives me our speed. We constantly see speeds well over 6 knts. Mostly downwind. I have even seen @ 7 (6.8-6.9). Surfing downwind ??? But even upwind the boat exceeds the 5.5 knots. We do sail in good breezes a lot - 12 -18 very often. The boat is tuned, we sail pretty well and it is dry sailed. In our PHRF series we have done quite well and are currently sailing to a 250 rating. How accurate is the hull speed?

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