Aus Nomad 20 Information, Review, Specs

It is important to note that while a 20-foot "Nomad" was produced in the United States by Siddons & Sindle in the late 1950s, the Australian model is a distinct design with a larger interior volume and different rig geometry. Today, the Nomad 20 remains a recognized class within the Australian Sailing handicap systems, maintaining a dedicated following among club racers and "pocket" cruisers alike.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nomad 20 is characterized by its light displacement and high maneuverability. Weighing approximately 680 kg (1,500 lbs), the boat sits high in the water, which, when combined with its fractional sloop rig, allows for responsive handling in light-to-moderate breezes. The sail plan—typically featuring around 15.6 square meters of working sail area—is manageable for a shorthanded crew, as the smaller headsails associated with a fractional rig simplify tacking maneuvers.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 21%, the Nomad 20 relies significantly on its 2.3-meter beam for initial stability. Under sail, the boat feels lively and can be prone to heeling if overpowered; however, the cast-iron centerboard provides sufficient righting moment for inland and coastal bay conditions. Its shoal draft (approximately 0.3 meters with the board up) makes it exceptionally well-suited for the shallow estuaries and sandy anchorages common in Queensland and New South Wales. Technical records from the John Crawford Marine Trailer Sailer Library indicate that the model was often marketed for its ease of launch and recovery, a direct result of its modest weight and shallow-draft design.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 20-foot vessel, the Nomad 20 offers a functional, albeit compact, interior aimed at weekend cruising. The standard layout features a "2+2" berth configuration, consisting of a small V-berth in the bow and two quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. While headroom is limited—consistent with most trailer sailers of this size—the cabin provides enough space for a small family to shelter.

The most notable interior feature is the centerboard trunk, which is centrally located and serves as a natural divider within the main cabin. Some variations of the Nomad 20 included a rudimentary galley area with a sink and space for a portable spirit stove. The interior finish typically utilized molded fiberglass liners with timber trim, a common construction method of the era intended to minimize maintenance. The Nomad 20 is closely related to the Comet 20, a sibling model that reportedly utilized the same hull mold but featured minor variations in deck layout and interior appointments.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-priority areas common to 1970s Australian fiberglass builds:

• Centerboard and Pivot Bolt: The cast-iron centerboard is prone to corrosion if not regularly maintained. Buyers should inspect the pivot bolt for wear and the lifting cable/pulley system for fraying. A seized or stiff centerboard is a common "gotcha" that can require significant effort to remediate.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this vintage, the Nomad 20 utilized a sandwich construction for the deck. Moisture ingress through poorly sealed deck hardware (cleats, stanchion bases, or the mast step) can lead to delamination and "soft spots."
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint where the deck meeting the hull should be inspected for stress cracks or leaks, which can lead to water in the cabin and structural degradation over time.
• Trailer Condition: Since the Nomad 20 is a trailerable yacht, the condition of the galvanizing, wheel bearings, and braking system (if fitted) is as critical as the boat itself. A neglected trailer can represent a hidden cost nearly equal to the value of the hull.
• Rigging Age: Unless recently replaced, the standing rigging on these older boats likely exceeds its safe working lifespan. Check for "fishhooks" (broken strands) in the stainless steel wire and cracks in the swage fittings.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and original marketing material for the Nomad 20 is the technical library maintained by John Crawford Marine, which hosts scanned brochures and specification sheets from the original builders. Additionally, owners often participate in regional trailer sailer associations across Australia, where the Nomad 20 is frequently discussed alongside other 1970s classics in various "TS" (Trailer Sailer) racing divisions.

The Verdict

The Nomad 20 is an enduring example of the versatile Australian "pocket cruiser" that offers an excellent balance of towability and seaworthiness for sheltered waters.

Pros

• Lightweight: Easily towed by most mid-sized family vehicles.
• Shallow Draft: Ideal for beaching and exploring thin water.
• Affordability: Provides a low-cost entry point into the world of yachting.
• Ease of Handling: Simple fractional rig is forgiving for beginners.

Cons

• Limited Headroom: The low cabin profile requires crouching for most adults.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance and stability are quickly impacted by excessive gear or crew weight.
• Vintage Maintenance: Requires a diligent eye for fiberglass and hardware fatigue typical of 50-year-old vessels.