Nacra 20 vs Nacra 5.2
How do the Nacra 20 and Nacra 5.2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Nacra 20 
Nacra 5.2 | Nacra 20 | Nacra 5.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | —— | —— |
| Beam | 8.5 ft2.59 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 3.2 ft0.97 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 390 lb177 kg | 350 lb159 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 256 ft²23.8 m² | 220 ft²20.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 76.73 | 70.88 |
| Displacement / Length | — | — |
| Comfort ratio | — | — |
| Capsize screening | 4.65 | 4.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | — |
Nacra 20 vs Nacra 5.2: the short version
- The Nacra 20 is the larger boat at 20.0 ft6.10 m LOA versus 17.0 ft5.18 m for the Nacra 5.2.
- The Nacra 20 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nacra 20 carries the more powerful rig (76.7 vs 70.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nacra 5.2 rates better for offshore work (4.54 vs 4.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.