Nicholson 32 v Nicholson 31

[IanCC]

I have searched and searched for a comparison of these two boats and it surprises me that I can't find any direct comparison. Must be out there somewhere.

Anybody got lots of experience of both.

One of the biggest differences I can see is the ballast on the 31 is 2170 or so Kg whereas the 32 has 1000 kg more. Also the later 32's are 33'.

Which is the better sailing boat?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jwilson]

I have sailed a Nic 32 in moderately heavy weather, but not a 31 though I've been aboard a few. The 31 is generally regarded as a slightly faster boat, yet still as seaworthy as the 32. The 31 has a foot more beam and higher freeboard.

 

[Motor_Sailor]

The 31 has a lot more volume, but never gained the sort of 'following' you would have expected from being the 32's successor.

We met several couple's cruising them about 30 years ago and they all spoke about how 'steady' they were and tough. No one said they were a joy to sail and our S&S 30 was in a different league when it came to speed. The Nic 31 used to plod along with the Southern Cross 31s, the Westsail 32s, Orion 27s, etc.

 

[JumbleDuck]

A friend of mine had a Nic 31. In was all a bit 70s for me. Very beige. Can't remember much about the sailing performance except that duringa trip in company he got rather upset when my wee (21') Westerly Jouster left him standing in light airs heading north from Gigha.

 

[IanCC]

Thanks for response, but the 31 has slightly longer waterline, a bit more sail and 300kgs less Displacement. So tend to think is quicker than the 32.

But is the 32 more fun?

 

[IanCC]

Thanks for response. Unfortunately the Jouster isn't a N32 .

 

[Wansworth]

Limited time sailing a 32 but under motor it needed a hand on the tiller full time but under auto helm and monitor vane gear excellent tracking

 

[doug748]

Thanks for response, but the 31 has slightly longer waterline, a bit more sail and 300kgs less Displacement. So tend to think is quicker than the 32.

But is the 32 more fun?

I moored next to a 32 owner once and he told me he considered it a motor sailor and never troubled too much with sailing below a force 3, unless conditions were perfect. That's what he said. They have a roomy feel and, due to their "cod's head" shape there is good space forward, unlike some of her contemporaries.

A friend had a 31 a nice boat but I think a C shaped settee would suit more folk nowadays rather than the pilot berth. It took some catching with a strong breeze on the beam.
The later marks of the 32 look very modern in contrast to the earlier doghouse versions. I know this boat and it looks grand:

1972 Nicholson 32 Mk10 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -

Not 29 grand, grand. But grand. It sits well on the water and has the look of a bigger boat. Both are very strongly made, I think the Nick website has a lot of detail about both.

 

[IanCC]

I seem to recall reading you get wet feet when motoring in a 31, something to do with the scuppers. Maybe hearsay.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Thanks for response. Unfortunately the Jouster isn't a N32 .

And a bit cramped to boot, though I enjoyed mine very much. I think Nic 32s look gorgeous (about the only thing I have seriously thought of buying to replace my Victoria 26) while the 31 is just another seventies blob. In my biassed, ignorant and unfair opinion ...

 

[Seajet]

I seem to remember Roger Witt ( ? ) reviewed the 31 for PBO - he liked her, I don't recall if he directly compared the 31 and 32 but one would expect so.

They are both high wetted area draggy designs unlikely to have adrenalin coursing through ones' veins but will get to their destination when AWB's have fallen apart - to me the 32 looks a lot more dated, but nothing wrong with that in a classic - both are rather appealing.

 

[johnalison]

Both of them would be excellent for anyone wishing to hone their skill in going astern.

 

[Wansworth]

Both of them would be excellent for anyone wishing to hone their skill in going astern.

Try an Albin Vega!

 

[dutyhog]

We've had a Mark 10 Nic 32 for 20+ years and find it works for us. It copes with any weather that we try to sail in, although going astern is a lottery, the side deck is too narrow for stepping out to go forward, and working on the engine needs long thin arms and a mirror (or phone camera). Aries windvane and tiller Autohelm can steer for hours. But I've mainly sailed much smaller boats apart from a Rival 32 (which didn't seem so good) so can't really compare . We visited a Nic 31 one evening when at anchor, and it seemed much more roomy inside, although perhaps darker.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Try an Albin Vega!

Hah. Try a Victoria 26.

 

[IanCC]

Sorry not responded, I have been in deep Wales.

Thanks for all replies.

 

[stevie69p]

Halmatic 30 probably also worth a look if you like the looks of the Nic 31...

 

[IanCC]

Thanks yes, but amazingly light in comparison for just a foot less length. Going to have a look at one though.