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Nacra 52

Designer: Tom Roland  ·  Builder: Nacra (Usa)  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Nacra 52

Designed for high-performance racing, the Nacra 52 is a formidable multihull built to deliver exhilarating speed and precision on the water. As part of the respected Nacra lineup — a brand long associated with competitive catamaran sailing — this model carries the pedigree of a manufacturer that has consistently pushed the boundaries of multihull design. Suited primarily to experienced sailors with a taste for competitive racing or fast-paced coastal sailing, the Nacra 52 demands skillful handling and rewards those who know how to harness its performance capabilities. Multihulls of this class are known for their exceptional speed-to-weight efficiency, minimal drag, and the kind of dynamic sailing experience that monohull designs simply cannot replicate. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Nacra name itself speaks to a tradition of engineering excellence and race-proven construction. Prospective buyers drawn to this boat are likely seasoned sailors looking to step into serious multihull competition or spirited offshore passages. Researching class associations and connecting with current owners would be a worthwhile step for anyone considering adding this exciting vessel to their shortlist.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Displacement 350.00 lb / 159 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Dbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction FG
Designer Tom Roland
Builder Nacra (USA)
First Built 1975
Last Built 1985
Number Built 2600
Related Sailboats Hobie 17 · Tiger Cat · Hermann Cat · Menger Cat 17 · Harpoon 52
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
51.79
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.21
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
4.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.09 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2.48 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 220.00 ft² / 20.44 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Tom Roland
How It Compares

vs. Harpoon 52, Hermann Cat, Hobie 17, Menger Cat 17, Tiger Cat

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Nacra 52 ★
17.0 ft
Harpoon 52
17.0 ft
Hermann Cat
17.0 ft
Hobie 17
17.0 ft
Menger Cat 17
17.0 ft
Tiger Cat
17.0 ft
LWL
Nacra 52 ★
Harpoon 52
15.0 ft
Hermann Cat
16.4 ft
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
16.5 ft
Tiger Cat
15.8 ft
Beam
Nacra 52 ★
8.0 ft
Harpoon 52
7.5 ft
Hermann Cat
7.9 ft
Hobie 17
7.9 ft
Menger Cat 17
8.0 ft
Tiger Cat
8.0 ft
Displacement
Nacra 52 ★
350 lbs
Harpoon 52
565 lbs
Hermann Cat
2 lbs
Hobie 17
315 lbs
Menger Cat 17
2 lbs
Tiger Cat
585 lbs
Ballast
Nacra 52 ★
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
500 lbs
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
500 lbs
Tiger Cat
Sail Area
Nacra 52 ★
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
240 sq ft
Hobie 17
168 sq ft
Menger Cat 17
Tiger Cat
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Nacra 52 ★
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
19.4
Hobie 17
58.1
Menger Cat 17
Tiger Cat
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Nacra 52 ★
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
17.9 %
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
22.7 %
Tiger Cat
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Nacra 52 ★
2.2
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
16.6
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
Tiger Cat
3.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Nacra 52 ★
4.54
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
2.25
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
Tiger Cat
3.81
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Nacra 52 ★
51
Harpoon 52
74
Hermann Cat
282
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
218
Tiger Cat
65
Hull Speed
Nacra 52 ★
5.1 kts
Harpoon 52
Hermann Cat
5.4 kts
Hobie 17
Menger Cat 17
Tiger Cat
5.3 kts
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