Nordic 40 vs Nordic 44
How do the Nordic 40 and Nordic 44 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Nordic 40 | Nordic 40 | Nordic 44 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.7 ft12.10 m | 43.8 ft13.36 m |
| Waterline length | 32.5 ft9.91 m | 35.4 ft10.80 m |
| Beam | 12.4 ft3.79 m | 12.9 ft3.94 m |
| Draft | 6.5 ft1.98 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Displacement | 18,000 lb8,165 kg | 23,250 lb10,546 kg |
| Ballast | 7,091 lb3,216 kg | 9,340 lb4,237 kg |
| Sail area | 756 ft²70.2 m² | 919 ft²85.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.61 | 18.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 234 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.0 | 31.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.90 | 1.81 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.6 | 8.0 |
Nordic 40 vs Nordic 44: the short version
- The Nordic 44 is the larger boat at 43.8 ft13.36 m LOA versus 39.7 ft12.10 m for the Nordic 40.
- The Nordic 44 is heavier, displacing about 29% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nordic 44 carries the more powerful rig (18.1 vs 17.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nordic 44 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nordic 44 rates better for offshore work (1.81 vs 1.90).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.