1981 Pearson 303 vs 1985 Nonsuch 26 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
1985 Nonsuch 26
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1985 Nonsuch 26 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Nonsuch |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1985–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Other |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | William Shaw | Mark Ellis |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1985 Nonsuch 26 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1985 Nonsuch 26 is a 1980s offering from Nonsuch from Canada. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 was designed by Mark Ellis.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1985 Nonsuch 26 at 7.92m (26.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 1.22m longer than the 1985 Nonsuch 26. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 m² of sail area. The 1985 Nonsuch 26, with an SA/D of 15.47 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1981 Pearson 303 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1985 Nonsuch 26 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 36.4% for the 1985 Nonsuch 26, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 303 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 1981 Pearson 303 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1981 Pearson 303 · 1985 Nonsuch 26