Albin 57 vs Nimbus 42
How do the Albin 57 and Nimbus 42 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 57 | Albin 57 | Nimbus 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.8 ft5.74 m | 41.4 ft12.62 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | 34.2 ft10.42 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 5.8 ft1.78 m |
| Displacement | 1,764 lb800 kg | 23,325 lb10,580 kg |
| Ballast | 562 lb255 kg | 10,000 lb4,536 kg |
| Sail area | 167 ft²15.5 m² | 854 ft²79.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.30 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 179 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.1 | 34.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.62 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 7.8 |
| Average used price | €1,500 | — |
Albin 57 vs Nimbus 42: the short version
- The Nimbus 42 is the larger boat at 41.4 ft12.62 m LOA versus 18.8 ft5.74 m for the Albin 57.
- The Nimbus 42 is heavier, displacing about 1222% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Albin 57 carries the more powerful rig (18.3 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nimbus 42 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nimbus 42 rates better for offshore work (1.75 vs 2.62).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.