Nomad 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Nomad 20 spanned from 1959 to 1965, marking a significant period in the evolution of small fiberglass sailboats. The design originated with Harry R. Sindle, a highly influential figure in American sailing known for his achievements as a six-time national champion in the Flying Dutchman Class and his expertise as a designer and builder., 5, 7] Sindle's background as a competitive dinghy sailor undoubtedly instilled a design philosophy centered on performance and efficiency, aiming to create boats that were both engaging to sail and broadly accessible.

An interesting aspect of the Nomad 20's early history is its initial construction. The first twelve hulls were notably built of plywood before the design was adapted for fiberglass production. This transition reflects the broader industry shift towards fiberglass, a material that revolutionized boat building in the mid-20th century by offering improved durability, reduced maintenance, and more consistent manufacturing compared to traditional wood. Siddons & Sindle, founded by Howard Siddons and Harry Sindle in Island Heights, New Jersey, embraced this modern material to meet the demands of a growing market for recreational sailboats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 20.75 feet and a displacement of just 1500 pounds, the Nomad 20 is a relatively light vessel for its size. This light displacement, combined with a reported sail area of 185 square feet, suggests that the boat is designed for lively performance, particularly in lighter air conditions where its generous sail-to-displacement ratio would be advantageous. Its calculated hull speed is approximately 5.84 knots.

A defining characteristic of the Nomad 20's design is its twin centerboard configuration. These ballasted centerboards allow for a highly variable draft, ranging from a mere 0.92 feet when retracted to 4.6 feet when fully extended. This feature provides exceptional flexibility for a trailerable boat, enabling easy launching and retrieval, shallow-water gunkholing, and improved upwind performance when the boards are down. While specific anecdotal reviews on its handling are limited, boats of this design type, especially from a designer like Harry Sindle, typically offer responsive steering and a nimble feel on the water. The hull design is generally considered average, indicating a balanced approach to performance and stability for a small cruising sailboat. Its low displacement-to-length ratio further emphasizes its lightweight, performance-oriented nature, while a low comfort ratio suggests a more active motion in a seaway, common for boats of this size and type.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size with a beam of 7.5 feet and an overall length of just over 20 feet, the interior accommodations of the Nomad 20 are designed for basic overnighting or day sailing comfort rather than extensive cruising. While specific details regarding the interior layout, finish quality, and ventilation for the Siddons & Sindle version are scarce in available records, typical arrangements for a sailboat of this size would include a forward V-berth for sleeping and perhaps two simple settees or quarter berths in the main cabin area. Standing headroom is generally limited on boats of this length. Storage would likely be integrated into lockers beneath berths and settees, suitable for essential gear for short trips. The emphasis of the Nomad 20's design was clearly on its sailing characteristics and trailerability, making its interior functional and straightforward.