Hinterhoeller F3 vs Niagara 26
How do the Hinterhoeller F3 and Niagara 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hinterhoeller F3 
Niagara 26 | Hinterhoeller F3 | Niagara 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.08 m | 26.7 ft8.13 m |
| Waterline length | 29.5 ft8.99 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Beam | 11.8 ft3.60 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 6.8 ft2.06 m | 4.4 ft1.35 m |
| Displacement | 10,900 lb4,944 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | 5,730 lb2,599 kg | 1,700 lb771 kg |
| Sail area | 630 ft²58.5 m² | 316 ft²29.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.50 | 20.06 |
| Displacement / Length | 190 | 147 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.9 | 15.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.13 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 6.4 |
Hinterhoeller F3 vs Niagara 26: the short version
- The Hinterhoeller F3 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.08 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Hinterhoeller F3 is heavier, displacing about 173% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hinterhoeller F3 carries the more powerful rig (20.5 vs 20.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hinterhoeller F3 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Niagara 26 rates better for offshore work (2.10 vs 2.13).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.