Islander 40 vs Nordic 40
How do the Islander 40 and Nordic 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Islander 40 | Islander 40 | Nordic 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.5 ft12.05 m | 39.7 ft12.10 m |
| Waterline length | 30.8 ft9.40 m | 32.5 ft9.91 m |
| Beam | 11.8 ft3.61 m | 12.4 ft3.79 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 17,000 lb7,711 kg | 18,000 lb8,165 kg |
| Ballast | 7,700 lb3,493 kg | 7,091 lb3,216 kg |
| Sail area | 734 ft²68.2 m² | 756 ft²70.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.76 | 17.61 |
| Displacement / Length | 259 | 234 |
| Comfort ratio | 29.3 | 28.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.84 | 1.90 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 7.6 |
Islander 40 vs Nordic 40: the short version
- The Islander 40 and Nordic 40 are close in length (39.5 ft12.05 m vs 39.7 ft12.10 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Islander 40 carries the more powerful rig (17.8 vs 17.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Islander 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Islander 40 rates better for offshore work (1.84 vs 1.90).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.