1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra vs 1989 J/35 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra | 1989 J/35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nonsuch | J/Boats |
| Year | 1986–1995 | 1989–1993 |
| Type | Other | Sloop |
| Country | Canada | USA |
| Designer | Mark Ellis | Rod Johnstone |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.0 m² (420 ft²) | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 1989 J/35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra is a 1980s design by Nonsuch from Canada, while the 1989 J/35 is a 1980s offering from J/Boats from USA. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra was penned by Mark Ellis. The 1989 J/35 was designed by Rod Johnstone.
In terms of size, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1989 J/35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 1989 J/35 is 1.53m longer than the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra. The 1989 J/35 displaces approximately 15% 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 1989 J/35, with an SA/D of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 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 1989 J/35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 43.5% for the 1989 J/35, 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 1989 J/35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra 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 1989 J/35 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra · 1989 J/35