The Nonsuch 30 Sailboat

Published Specification for the Nonsuch 30 Catboat

• Keel & Rudder Configuration: Fin keel with internally-mounted spade-type rudder.
• Hull Material: Fiberglass with wood trim.
• Length Overall: 30'4" (9.24 meters).*
• Waterline Length: 28'9" (8.76 meters).*
• Beam: 11'11" (3.63 meters).*
• Draft: 5'0" (1.52 meters).*
• Rig Type: Cat rigged (unstayed mast with wishbone boom).
• Displacement: 10,500 pounds (4,763 kilograms).*
• Ballast: 4,500 pounds (2,041 kilograms).*
• Sail Area: 540ft² (50m²).*
• Water Tank Capacity: 86 gallons (330 liters).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 30 gallons (110 liters).
• Hull Speed: 7.18 knots (13.30 kilometers per hour).
• Designer: Mark Ellis.
• Builder: Hinterhoeller Yachts.
• Year First Built: 1978.
• Year Last Built: 1989.
• Number Built: 1,080.

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

There were later versions of the Nonsuch 30 sailboat produced during its production run. The most notable upgrades were the Nonsuch 30 Nova and the Nonsuch 324:

Nonsuch 30 Nova

• Interior Improvements: The Nova version featured an upgraded interior with more modern amenities and finishes.
• Performance Enhancements: It included a carbon fiber wishbone boom for improved performance and durability.

Nonsuch 324

• Hull Design: The Nonsuch 324 used the same hull design as the Nonsuch 30 but included a wing keel for better stability and performance.
• Sail Area: It had more sail area compared to the original Nonsuch 30.
• Mast and Boom: The Nonsuch 324 also featured a carbon fiber wishbone boom and mast for increased strength and reduced weight.

These upgrades made the later versions more competitive and comfortable, catering to sailors looking for enhanced performance and modern amenities.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

The Nonsuch 30 sailboat has a cat rig, which is an unstayed mast with a wishbone boom. This type of rig doesn't use traditional stays, so the dimensions I, J, P, and E are not applicable.

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 18.1

• This ratio suggests that the Nonsuch 30 has a good balance between sail area and displacement. With an SA/D of 18.1, it indicates that the boat has sufficient sail power to perform well in a variety of wind conditions. It should be capable of achieving its maximum hull speed relatively easily in favourable conditions, making it a reasonably fast cruiser.

Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D): 42.9

• A B/D ratio of 42.9 indicates that the Nonsuch 30 has a substantial amount of ballast compared to its displacement. This provides the boat with good stability and the ability to stand up to its sail area, making it less likely to heel excessively in strong winds. This ratio ensures a comfortable and safe sailing experience.

Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): 197

• The D/L ratio of 197 classifies the Nonsuch 30 as a moderately light displacement sailboat. This means the boat is not overly heavy for its length, which contributes to its performance and manoeuvrability. A lower D/L ratio generally indicates better speed potential and agility in various sea conditions.

Comfort Ratio: 20.5

• The Comfort Ratio of 20.5 suggests that the Nonsuch 30 offers a moderate level of comfort in terms of motion at sea. While it may not be as stable as a heavy displacement cruiser, it strikes a balance between performance and comfort. This ratio suggests that the boat can handle choppy waters reasonably well without causing excessive discomfort to the crew.

Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 2.2

• A CSF of 2.2 indicates that the Nonsuch 30 has good resistance to capsizing. Generally, a CSF below 2.0 is considered very stable, while a CSF above 2.0 suggests moderate stability. The Nonsuch 30's CSF of 2.2 means that it is relatively stable and safe for offshore sailing, though it is more suited to coastal cruising and moderate offshore conditions.

In summary, the Nonsuch 30 sailboat is designed to be a well-balanced cruiser with good performance, stability, and comfort. Its design ratios indicate that it is capable of providing a safe and enjoyable sailing experience in a variety of conditions. It is not an extreme racer or heavy bluewater cruiser, but rather a versatile and reliable sailboat for coastal and moderate offshore sailing.

But the Design Ratios are Not the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

Here's what Practical Sailor has to say about the Nonsuch 30...

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