Knarr vs Suspens
How do the Knarr and Suspens compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Knarr 
Suspens | Knarr | Suspens | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 30.4 ft9.28 m | 30.4 ft9.25 m |
| Waterline length | 20.4 ft6.21 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.12 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 5.9 ft1.80 m |
| Displacement | 4,905 lb2,225 kg | 6,118 lb2,775 kg |
| Ballast | 2,822 lb1,280 kg | 1,830 lb830 kg |
| Sail area | 255 ft²23.7 m² | 462 ft²42.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.13 | 22.10 |
| Displacement / Length | 259 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 24.4 | 16.6 |
| Capsize screening | 1.64 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.8 |
Knarr vs Suspens: the short version
- The Knarr and Suspens are close in length (30.4 ft9.28 m vs 30.4 ft9.25 m ).
- The Suspens is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Suspens carries the more powerful rig (22.1 vs 14.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Knarr scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Knarr rates better for offshore work (1.64 vs 2.15).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.