Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 36
How do the Niagara 26 and Nonsuch 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Niagara 26 
Nonsuch 36 | Niagara 26 | Nonsuch 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 36.0 ft10.97 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 33.8 ft10.29 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 12.7 ft3.86 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 17,000 lb7,711 kg |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb771 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Sail area | 316 ft²29.4 m² | 742 ft²68.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.06 | 17.96 |
| Displacement / Length | 147 | 197 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 25.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 7.8 |
Niagara 26 vs Nonsuch 36: the short version
- The Nonsuch 36 is the larger boat at 36.0 ft10.97 m LOA versus 26.7 ft8.13 m for the Niagara 26.
- The Nonsuch 36 is heavier, displacing about 325% 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 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 36 rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.