Albin 79 vs Nimbus 42
How do the Albin 79 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 79 | Albin 79 | Nimbus 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.9 ft7.90 m | 41.4 ft12.62 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 34.2 ft10.42 m |
| Beam | 8.8 ft2.67 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 5.8 ft1.78 m |
| Displacement | 4,200 lb1,905 kg | 23,325 lb10,580 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | 10,000 lb4,536 kg |
| Sail area | 259 ft²24.1 m² | 854 ft²79.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.92 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.6 | 34.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.17 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 7.8 |
Albin 79 vs Nimbus 42: the short version
- The Nimbus 42 is the larger boat at 41.4 ft12.62 m LOA versus 25.9 ft7.90 m for the Albin 79.
- The Nimbus 42 is heavier, displacing about 455% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nimbus 42 carries the more powerful rig (16.7 vs 15.9), 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 2.17).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.