Niagara 31 vs Nonsuch 30
How do the Niagara 31 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 31 
Nonsuch 30 | Niagara 31 | Nonsuch 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.3 ft9.53 m | 30.3 ft9.24 m |
| Waterline length | 24.3 ft7.39 m | 28.8 ft8.76 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.12 m | 11.9 ft3.63 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 8,000 lb3,629 kg | 10,500 lb4,763 kg |
| Ballast | 3,550 lb1,610 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Sail area | 492 ft²45.7 m² | 540 ft²50.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.68 | 18.02 |
| Displacement / Length | 250 | 197 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.1 | 20.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.05 | 2.18 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Niagara 31 vs Nonsuch 30: the short version
- The Niagara 31 is the larger boat at 31.3 ft9.53 m LOA versus 30.3 ft9.24 m for the Nonsuch 30.
- The Nonsuch 30 is heavier, displacing about 31% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Niagara 31 carries the more powerful rig (19.7 vs 18.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Niagara 31 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Niagara 31 rates better for offshore work (2.05 vs 2.18).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.