1985 Nonsuch 26 vs 1987 Nonsuch 36 — Comparison
1985 Nonsuch 26
1987 Nonsuch 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Nonsuch 26 | 1987 Nonsuch 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nonsuch | Nonsuch |
| Year | 1985–1994 | 1987–1996 |
| Type | Other | Other |
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Designer | Mark Ellis | Mark Ellis |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Nonsuch 26 and 1987 Nonsuch 36 represent two takes on other-rigged sailing. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 is a 1980s design by Nonsuch from Canada, while the 1987 Nonsuch 36 is a 1980s offering from Nonsuch from Canada. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 was penned by Mark Ellis. The 1987 Nonsuch 36 was designed by Mark Ellis.
In terms of size, the 1985 Nonsuch 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1987 Nonsuch 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1987 Nonsuch 36 is 3.05m longer than the 1985 Nonsuch 26. The 1987 Nonsuch 36 displaces approximately 164% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Nonsuch 26 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.47 and 28.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Nonsuch 36, with an SA/D of 14.47 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Nonsuch 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The 1987 Nonsuch 36 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 36.4% for the 1985 Nonsuch 26 and 41.4% for the 1987 Nonsuch 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Nonsuch 26 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1987 Nonsuch 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Nonsuch 36 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1985 Nonsuch 26 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Nonsuch 36 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.