A Used Boat Review" in Practical Sailor

Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025
1

I received an email update from Practical Sailor this morning that had a nice review about 'used 30 foot Nonsuch sailboats"…

I am sure many of you have seen it, but if you haven’t, this is the link to the article:

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/nonsuch-30?MailingID=2210&sc=WIR20250601-YouTube&st=email&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The%20ZERO%20KEEL%20and%20ALPHA%20RUDDER%20-%20Are%20Kraken%20Yachts%20Really%20THAT%20GOOD%3F&utm_campaign=WIR20250601-YouTube

Peter Grabow
S/V CAKE WALK III
1987 30U 430
Stamford, CT

2

The article’s a very lightly updated version of a review originally written in 2000 even back then that contained some errors even back then.

In fact, the only changes I noticed was updated prices on the used boat market.

I posted some lengthy comments regarding the article on the Practical Sailor website, which I reposted as Nonsuch Discourse a thread (https://nonsuch.discourse.group/).

– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Marina del Rey, California

3

Bob is quite right about the inaccuracies in the article. The writer seems to have confused the “U” with some of the “C” attributes.

Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

4

Practical Sailor may be more valuable to INA as a friend than a foe. Like many print publishers they are being squeezed crowd sourced ( FREE ) content. About a year ago they hired a Youtube guy to be their editor ( Lady K Sailing ).

I understand the temptation ro recycle content they are in a fight for their lives. I’d kinda like to see them survive.

There was a very nice article about the Cape Dory a few months ago and the author went out of their way to mention the importance of the Cape Dory community… Which sounds a lot like the Nonsuch community. I have been planning to approach PS about being a sponsor for our 2026 Rendezvous and possibly contributing an updated article about Nonsuch boats that we Nonsuchers could collaborate on.

Maybe we can put our heads together and propose some win-win collaboration opportunities with PS ?

Rob
s/v SOAVE
NS33 #009
Cedar Point YC
Westport, CT

5

Hi All,
For folks that have reviewed the reprinted article, what should be addressed to set the record straight ? Or to accurately portray Nonsuch boats in “present day” context ?

I’ve noted :

  • Inaccurate description of how mast is connected to hull.
  • Confusion over Ultra and Classic configurations.
  • Lack of detail about performance tips.
  • Lack of info about maintenance pros and cons reltive to boats of similar vintage.
    Other ideas and thoughts ?

Maybe elaboration about the reasons we love our good old boats ?

Thanks,

Rob Cohen
s/v SOAVE
NS33 #009
Cedar Point YC
Westport, CT