Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 30
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 30 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 30 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 30.3 ft9.24 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 28.8 ft8.76 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 11.9 ft3.63 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 10,500 lb4,763 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 540 ft²50.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 18.02 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 197 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 20.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.18 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 7.2 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 30: the short version
- The Nonsuch 30 is the larger boat at 30.3 ft9.24 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Nonsuch 30 is heavier, displacing about 163% 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 18.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 30 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Niagara 26 rates better for offshore work (2.10 vs 2.18).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.