Nacra 20 Information, Review, Specs

The journey of the Nacra 20 began in 1998, with production continuing until 2001. Initially marketed as the Nacra Inter 20, its introduction aimed to refresh and succeed the existing fleet of 20-foot beach catamarans, including models like the Nacra 6.0, Hobie 20, and Tornado. [8, Performance Catamarans Inc., founded by Tom Roland in 1975, built its reputation on a design philosophy centered around creating lightweight, fast, and agile multihulls. The Nacra 20 perfectly embodies this ethos, showcasing innovative approaches to hull design and sail plans that prioritized optimal hydrodynamic efficiency and exhilarating performance. The company's consistent emphasis was on delivering boats that were both quick and comfortable for ocean crossing, a characteristic that set them apart in the multihull market. There is no indication of significant design variations (e.g., MkI or MkII) within its initial production run, distinguishing it from later iterations like the Nacra 20 Carbon, which emerged years later with different materials and optional foiling capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nacra 20 is engineered for speed and responsiveness, typical of a performance catamaran. With a length overall of 20 feet and a slender 8.5-foot beam, it boasts a remarkably light displacement of just 390 pounds, emphasizing its design as a highly tuned racing boat. Its reported sail area is 260 square feet for the mainsail and jib, complemented by a substantial 269 square feet spinnaker, allowing it to harness the wind efficiently and achieve high speeds. The boat is equipped with a twin trapeze setup, a testament to its high-performance nature, requiring skilled crew to maximize its speed and keep it upright. Its daggerboard keel type further enhances its upwind performance and allows for shallow water access by retracting the boards. Owners and reviewers often describe the Nacra 20 as an "organized and user-friendly" boat within its class of highly competitive racers.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 20-foot performance racing catamaran, the Nacra 20 is designed almost exclusively for on-water performance rather than interior comfort or accommodations. The vessel features an open-deck layout, typical of beach catamarans of its size and purpose. There are no enclosed living spaces, berths, or a galley. The design prioritizes minimal weight and maximum efficiency for racing, meaning any storage is likely limited to small, open compartments for essential gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nacra 20 frequently commend its solid performance and competitive capabilities as a one-design racer. However, like many high-performance boats, some common characteristics and maintenance considerations have been noted. A recurring issue for some owners is the trampoline coming out of its track, a problem often addressed with modifications involving a robust rope and nylon strops. Given its racing pedigree, the Nacra 20 utilizes expensive, high-performance Mylar sails, and the addition of a spinnaker further contributes to the overall cost of ownership. While a highly capable boat, righting a large catamaran like the Nacra 20 can be challenging for inexperienced or smaller crews, often requiring righting bags, mast floats, or specific righting poles. Overall, the Nacra 20 is recognized as a formidable and engaging sailing machine that delivers on its promise of exhilarating performance.