[Nonsuch 30 Rules]

The Nonsuch is one of the finest boats ever designed and built. It is not a Hinckley or a Swan and does not cost what those boats do. It is however far superior to most other boats built. It is a One-Design that has no direct competition and is a breeze to single hand. The fiberglass is of excellent quality. The teak and mahogany are solid, not laminated. The hardware is simply amazing. The wiring looks more like that from a house than from a boat. The battery charger, Seafrost and Espar items are the best in the world. George Hinterhoeller spared no-expense and placed the finest equipment available aboard these boats. I do not mean to be condescending but someone mentioned why would a 30 foot Nonsuch cost so much more than a 30 foot Catalina, Why does a Porsche Carrera cost so much more than a FIAT. Sorry but it’s a fair comparison. One you can take around the world, the other one you can take to your mooring. The fact that 30 years later many of these boats look only a few years old versus other boats their age need complete rebuilds is yet another testament to this incredible boat. Next, the Nonsuch 30 is not a 30 foot boat at all. When you work up both the interior and exterior dimensions, it’s more like a 35 foot boat than a 30. Its LOA and LWL vary by only by 1.5 feet. Few if any other boats can make that claim!!!!!!! If you do not know why the Nonsuch is worth so much, than you just do not know anything about them. It is not because of CULT status as one person mentioned, it’s about QUALITY and the ability to stand the test of time. Finally, most people that purchased these boats spent well over $100,000 especially post 1984 with the ULTRA setup and Westerbeke engine. Boats like the Catalina were a dime a dozen and cost in the High 20’s to low 30’s. With this type of financial commitment on the water, these owners really took care of their boats so many of them today are still in excellent condition and that is the main reason that they sell for so much. They also make for an incredible “Live-Aboard” boat with excellent sailing characteristics and amazing stability both under sail and under power. I hope this helps to answer why the NONSUCH is worth so much more than other boats of its size. I have owned many boats including Tartans, Cape Dory’s, San Juans, Sabres, Persons, and a Pacific Seacraft which is the only boat that I would say is on par if not slightly better than the Nonsuch. Final statement: A mint, well equipped 1985 – 1987 Nonsuch 30 should sell in the mid to high $70,000 range. Many sell for less because of the poor economy and the fact that many people just do not know enough about the boat and lob it in with the price of other 30’s. If you can get your hands onto a mint 30 for under 70K, Grab it and run like you stole it because these boats were never high volume and while you can have a new one built, it will cost you over $225,000 and I do not think they will ever be built to the same standards as the originals.

 

[Nonsuch 30 Rules]

Yes, you absolutely can sail them anywhere!!!!! The only concern is the main cockpit which is extremely large and if caught in say a hurricane and 30 plus foot seas might be a drainage concern but can be controlled by leaving the cockpit slats in place and some people even modify the cockpit if they do that kind of cruising but the boat is absolutely up to the challenge. Other than that they are amazing. The extensive freeboard keeps you dry. In a following sea, the wide stern rises above the water nicely and the large beamy bow does not plow water like so many other boats do. The boat has incredible buoyancy and if all hell breaks loose, the wishbone technically will tear out the mainsheet and do a 180 degree spin protecting the rest of the rigging. Most other yachts would suffer mast failure after the boom slammed into the shrouds. Not a pretty site. A number of years ago an ocean going gent was on-board a Nonsuch 30 and was caught in such a storm. Not being an expert on the boat he panicked and was airlifted by the coast guard. Weeks later the boat was found floating with the rig damaged but the boat was in otherwise perfect condition and that was without the cockpit hatches in place. Again, amazing boats!!!!!!

 

[Nonsuch 30 Rules]

I think below was your original post:

Just wanted to let you know that the boat that was listed on EBAY was in concourse condition. The upholstery in the pics looked exactly like that the day the boat left the factory. The interior wood looked like the boat was just built and the hull shine is amazing. The instruments are original, I'll give you that but according to the posting, a new GPS came with the boat. I was amazed that the head and shower look like no-one even used them. This was the downside of some of these boats. They cost a lot of money and some people just did not take them out all that often. Even the engine had next to no time on it. The asking price was a bargain and whoever wound up with it or who winds up with it is going to get one hell of a boat. That one I would say is probably worth in the mid $70,000's. Will be interesting to see what it sold for or if it is still for sale................

First off I like them esthetically, but I don't think they are for me. I keep seeing 30-36 footers listed for around $60,000 to $80,000 while other boats in that same size and quality have dropped way down. While many of these look to be well maintained, many don't look like they have had much in the way of updates. That makes sense given there KISS kind of style. Just an example:

1985 Nonsuch 30 with Ultra Layout | eBay

Is this person just dreaming or do they really sell at that price? Heck that one has no new electronics, original worn upholstery, granted it does look good on the outside.

They seem to be well made boats, but not that much better than other quality brands. I understand they have a unique rig and layout, but that has as many downsides as it does up sides. Heck it they really were the rig/layout to beat all there would be other companies making them. Why are they seeming to get about twice the money other equally well built boats? Heck they are listed at twice the price of many CS yachts. I just don't get it. Heck most of them have the propane water heaters that are not even installed in accordance with ABYC.

And I am not griping because they are out of my price range (though they are), just they don't seem to really be able to justify there price. It is not like they are a Hinkley or some hand made exotic boat.