Albin 79 vs Nova 33
How do the Albin 79 and Nova 33 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 79 
Nova 33 | Albin 79 | Nova 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.9 ft7.90 m | 33.0 ft10.06 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 26.3 ft8.00 m |
| Beam | 8.8 ft2.67 m | 10.3 ft3.15 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 4,200 lb1,905 kg | 8,177 lb3,709 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | 3,868 lb1,754 kg |
| Sail area | 259 ft²24.1 m² | 493 ft²45.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.92 | 19.43 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 202 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.6 | 19.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.17 | 2.05 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.9 |
Albin 79 vs Nova 33: the short version
- The Nova 33 is the larger boat at 33.0 ft10.06 m LOA versus 25.9 ft7.90 m for the Albin 79.
- The Nova 33 is heavier, displacing about 95% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nova 33 carries the more powerful rig (19.4 vs 15.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nova 33 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nova 33 rates better for offshore work (2.05 vs 2.17).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.