Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 26
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 26 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 24.4 ft7.44 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 8,500 lb3,856 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 2,750 lb1,247 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 420 ft²39.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 16.13 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 23.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.6 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 26: the short version
- The Niagara 26 is the larger boat at 26.7 ft8.13 m LOA versus 26.0 ft7.92 m for the Nonsuch 26.
- The Nonsuch 26 is heavier, displacing about 113% 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 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 26 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.