Niagara 26 vs Niagara 31
How do the Niagara 26 and Niagara 31 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Niagara 31 | Niagara 26 | Niagara 31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 31.3 ft9.53 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 24.3 ft7.39 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 10.3 ft3.12 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 8,000 lb3,629 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 3,550 lb1,610 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 492 ft²45.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 19.68 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 250 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 21.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.05 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.6 |
Niagara 26 vs Niagara 31: the short version
- The Niagara 31 is the larger boat at 31.3 ft9.53 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Niagara 31 is heavier, displacing about 100% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Niagara 26 carries the more powerful rig (20.1 vs 19.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Niagara 31 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Niagara 31 rates better for offshore work (2.05 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.