1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra vs 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 — Comparison

1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
VS
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 241980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
General
ManufacturerNonsuchPacific Seacraft
Year1986–19951980–2007
TypeOtherCutter
CountryCanadaUSA
DesignerMark EllisWilliam Crealock
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)5.79 m (19.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)2.54 m (8.3 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area39.0 m² (420 ft²)23.5 m² (253 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths63
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
14.46
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
12.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
39.99
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
0.81
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
19.75
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
28.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra is a 1980s design by Nonsuch from Canada, while the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra was penned by Mark Ellis. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 was designed by William Crealock.

In terms of size, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.54m beam. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra is 1.82m longer than the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.46 and 39.0 m² of sail area. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, with an SA/D of 12.98 and 23.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 has a comfort ratio of 28.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 41.8% for the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 30L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 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 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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