J/80 vs Nord 80
How do the J/80 and Nord 80 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
J/80 
Nord 80 | J/80 | Nord 80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.00 m | 26.3 ft8.00 m |
| Waterline length | 22.0 ft6.71 m | 22.0 ft6.70 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.51 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.49 m | 4.4 ft1.35 m |
| Displacement | 2,899 lb1,315 kg | 6,393 lb2,900 kg |
| Ballast | 1,400 lb635 kg | 2,425 lb1,100 kg |
| Sail area | 337 ft²31.3 m² | 344 ft²32.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 26.52 | 15.98 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 269 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.6 | 22.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 1.98 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Average used price | — | €6,900 |
J/80 vs Nord 80: the short version
- The J/80 and Nord 80 are close in length (26.3 ft8.00 m vs 26.3 ft8.00 m ).
- The Nord 80 is heavier, displacing about 121% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the J/80 carries the more powerful rig (26.5 vs 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nord 80 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nord 80 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.