Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 33
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 33 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 33 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 33.4 ft10.19 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 31.5 ft9.59 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 15,350 lb6,963 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 6,050 lb2,744 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 669 ft²62.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 17.33 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 220 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 25.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.01 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 7.5 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 33: the short version
- The Nonsuch 33 is the larger boat at 33.4 ft10.19 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Nonsuch 33 is heavier, displacing about 284% 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 17.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 33 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 33 rates better for offshore work (2.01 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.