Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 22
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 22 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 22 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 22.0 ft6.71 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 1,800 lb816 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 306 ft²28.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 259 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 21.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.1 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 22: the short version
- The Niagara 26 is the larger boat at 26.7 ft8.13 m LOA versus 22.0 ft6.71 m for the Nonsuch 22.
- The Nonsuch 22 is heavier, displacing about 25% 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 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 22 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 22 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.