Nonsuch 324 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Nonsuch 324 is defined by its "point-and-shoot" simplicity. Unlike conventional sloops that require coordinated winch work between a headsail and mainsail, the 324 utilizes a single, massive sail. This configuration results in a very high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, providing the boat with surprising power in light to moderate winds. The unstayed carbon fiber mast—a hallmark of the later Hinterhoeller builds—allows the mast to flex and spill power in heavy gusts, acting as a natural shock absorber that keeps the boat remarkably flat.

Handling is characterized by the boat’s ability to tack through 90 degrees with a simple turn of the wheel; there are no jib sheets to release or grind. According to technical insights from the International Nonsuch Association, the hull’s significant beam, which is carried far forward, provides immense initial stability. However, this same beam creates a large wetted surface area, meaning the boat requires a breeze to truly find its stride. Off the wind, the 324 is a powerhouse, as the wishbone boom maintains an ideal sail shape without the need for a vang, allowing the sail to act like a giant wing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nonsuch 324 is often compared to that of a 38-foot conventional yacht due to the absence of a forward mast and the extraordinary 11-foot, 10-inch beam. While the original Nonsuch 30 "Classic" featured an open plan, the 324 adopted the "Ultra" layout as a standard baseline, emphasizing private accommodations. The interior is typically finished in the high-grade teak joinery for which Hinterhoeller was famous, creating a warm, traditional atmosphere.

The layout features a large forward stateroom with a double berth shifted to one side, providing room for a hanging locker and a vanity. A key variation in the 324, compared to its predecessor, is the refinement of the galley and the inclusion of a dedicated stall shower in the head—a luxury rarely found in boats under 33 feet. The main salon utilizes the full width of the hull, featuring a large wrap-around settee and a stable drop-leaf table. Because the 324 was produced during the final years of Hinterhoeller’s operation, the cabin sole and upholstery often reflect a more modern aesthetic than the earlier 1980s models.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Nonsuch 324 with a focus on the unique engineering of its catboat rig. While the design is robust, three decades of use necessitate specific inspections:

• Mast Step and Partners: The unstayed mast exerts tremendous leverage on the deck partners and the step at the keel. Inspectors should look for "crazing" or stress cracks in the gelcoat around the mast collar, which may indicate excessive movement or moisture ingress into the core.
• Wishbone Hardware: The blocks and attachment points on the wishbone boom are subject to unique loads. Ensure the "cradle" where the boom meets the mast is free of corrosion and that the reefing lines run freely through the internal sheaves.
• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many Hinterhoeller builds of this era, the 324 uses balsa coring in the decks. Moisture meter testing is essential around stanchion bases and the windlass area to ensure the core remains dry and structural.
• Engine Access: While the 324 generally features reliable Westerbeke or Yanmar diesel engines, the placement beneath the companionway requires checking the insulation and engine mounts for wear, as the wide-open interior can amplify engine noise if the shielding is degraded.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the International Nonsuch Association, which maintains an exhaustive database of technical manuals, rigging specifications, and owner-led maintenance wikis. This organization is vital for 324 owners, as it provides a pipeline for sourcing specialized parts, such as wishbone hardware or custom sail tracks, that are no longer available through original manufacturers.

The Verdict

The Nonsuch 324 is a specialized cruising machine that trades the complexity of a multi-sail rig for ease of use and unparalleled living space. It is an ideal vessel for the "silver sailor" or the shorthanded cruiser who refuses to sacrifice the comfort of a large apartment-style interior.

Pros:

• Ease of Operation: Single-sheet sailing makes it one of the easiest boats in its class to handle solo.
• Massive Interior: Provides the living volume and storage of a much larger vessel.
• Build Quality: Beneficiary of Hinterhoeller’s premium construction standards and Mark Ellis’s seaworthy design.
• Stability: High initial stability and a flexible rig make for a comfortable, upright ride.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Polarity: The catboat silhouette and wishbone boom are "love it or hate it" design elements.
• Upwind Limits: While capable, it will not point as high as a modern fin-keel sloop with a tight-lapping headsail.
• Slip Fees: The nearly 12-foot beam can sometimes trigger higher berthing costs in marinas with narrow slips.