Niagara 31 vs Nonsuch 324
How do the Niagara 31 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 31 | Niagara 31 | Nonsuch 324 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.3 ft9.53 m | 32.3 ft9.85 m |
| Waterline length | 24.3 ft7.39 m | 28.8 ft8.76 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.12 m | 11.8 ft3.61 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 8,000 lb3,629 kg | 11,500 lb5,216 kg |
| Ballast | 3,550 lb1,610 kg | 4,240 lb1,923 kg |
| Sail area | 492 ft²45.7 m² | 689 ft²64.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.68 | 21.64 |
| Displacement / Length | 250 | 216 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.1 | 22.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.05 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Niagara 31 vs Nonsuch 324: the short version
- The Nonsuch 324 is the larger boat at 32.3 ft9.85 m LOA versus 31.3 ft9.53 m for the Niagara 31.
- The Nonsuch 324 is heavier, displacing about 44% 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 19.7), 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 Niagara 31 rates better for offshore work (2.05 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.