Nonsuch Ultra vs Classic

[astokel]

I sail each year on a 30 classic. The cabin is not for the romantically inclined, but fine for a couple of sailing buddies.

[taxwizz]

My NS30U has the shoal draft keel and only draws about 4' of water. I have never run aground. It even points almost as well as the deep (5'3") keel.

[Sabercat]

Great boat, the Nonsuch. I prefer the Classic once Hinterhoeller began building them with the Westerbeke power (~1983) and the full access door to the mast (~1982). The classic layout is so open and airy with the bulkhead slider down and the louvered door opened. Plus, the cockpit is larger. The four berths sleep four comfortably. For a couple, maybe the ultra layout is better, but for a family or several sailing friends, I'll take a Classic. I believe the price difference is attributable in part to age as the Ultras are newer but, at this point with these boats being 30+ years old, I would suggest the owner maintenance history is more relevant. All that said, you can't go wrong with either model. These are tough, safe and easy to sail boats. The decision on which one will boil down to personal preferences.

[GeoSails]

Of course it sounds like either would be a great choice and I'm back to pouring over the classifieds until I see that must have it boat.

Thanks for the feedback.

How useful/inconvient are the non permanent berths such settees? Would two sailing buddies be comfortable long-term in either setup as opposed to a couple?

[taxwizz]

Originally Posted by GeoSails

Of course it sounds like either would be a great choice and I'm back to pouring over the classifieds until I see that must have it boat.

Thanks for the feedback.

How useful/inconvient are the non permanent berths such settees? Would two sailing buddies be comfortable long-term in either setup as opposed to a couple?

Why not have one sleep in the forward berth and the other on the main cabin berth?

Personally, I do not share a bed with my "buddies".