Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 324
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 324 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 324 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 324 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 32.3 ft9.85 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 28.8 ft8.76 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 11.8 ft3.61 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 11,500 lb5,216 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 4,240 lb1,923 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 689 ft²64.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 21.64 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 216 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 22.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 7.2 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 324: the short version
- The Nonsuch 324 is the larger boat at 32.3 ft9.85 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Nonsuch 324 is heavier, displacing about 188% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nonsuch 324 carries the more powerful rig (21.6 vs 20.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 324 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 324 rates better for offshore work (2.10 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.