Nicholson 1/2 Ton Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The 1/2 Ton is a 30-foot fractional sloop with a 9.14-meter length and 3.12-meter beam, carrying a solid fiberglass hull and deck over an iron-ballasted fin keel and spade rudder. Below, the envelope is defined by 20 gallons of water and 12 gallons of fuel alongside a 12-horsepower Yanmar diesel — a racer's minimal liveaboard footprint, not a bluewater layout. Expect the compact proportions of a 24.75-foot waterline hull shaped to dominate around the buoys rather than to stretch out a crew.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Well-equipped examples on the market commonly carry a circumnavigation-grade setup with heating, inverter, radar, hot water, autopilot, chartplotter, EPIRB, and life raft as standard-fitted gear. For a buyer, that cluster means a boat already provisioned for extended offshore use despite its racing origin: forced-air heat and hot water address comfort, while radar, chartplotter, and autopilot cover navigation and watch relief. The presence of an EPIRB and life raft signals serious passage-making intent rather than day-racing trim.

What to Inspect

The buyer should verify the basics of a 1977-vintage solid GRP racer: hull integrity around the fin keel root, spade rudder stock condition, and the original Yanmar diesel's service history given only 12 gallons of fuel capacity. Inspection centers on age-appropriate GRP and rigging wear on a 28-unit class.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

Typical market availability centers on Portugal, where these rare boats occasionally surface. For the buyer, the checklist is short and severe: confirm Ron Holland pedigree and 303-hull derivation, verify the commonly fitted offshore equipment is operational, and budget for age-related GRP and rigging renewal on a 28-unit class. A well-kept example is a distinctive entry into classic IOR racing with real cruising potential.