BoatsNicholson 303

Nicholson 303

Masthead Sloop · Fin keel, spade rudder · First built 1979

A masthead sloop featuring a fin keel and spade rudder, built on the race-proven hull of the Nicholson 1/2 Ton

Designed by Ron Holland, built by Camper.

LOA
Beam
Draft (max)
Displacement
Hull type
Fin w/spade Rudder

Is it for you?

Character

Where this design lands on the numbers a shopper trusts — read straight from her own ratios.

LivelySea-kindly

Her moderate displacement on a moderate beam gives 21 — a moderate, middle-of-the-road motion.

Comfort ratio 21
CoastalBluewater

2.07 — right around the 2.0 line, the edge between coastal and offshore.

Capsize screening 2.07
LightHeavy

248 — moderately heavy for her waterline, a balanced cruising weight.

Displacement / length 248
EasygoingPowered-up

15.8 — moderate power for her weight; steady, all-round performance.

Sail area / displacement 15.8

A balanced, easily-driven cruiser — comfortable and forgiving for coastal work.

The record

Full specifications

The complete reference set — tap any figure to switch between metric and imperial.

Dimensions
Weights
Rig & sail area
Rig
Masthead Sloop
Ratios
SA / displacement
15.8
Displacement / length
247.9
Comfort ratio
21.0
Capsize screening
2.07
Hull speed
6.6 kn
Pounds / inch immersion
885
Hull
Hull type
Fin w/spade rudder
Construction
Fiberglass
Production
Years built
First built 1979
Units built
35
Designer
Ron Holland
Builder
Camper, Nicholson, Nicholsons

Boats like this, on the water

Nobody has filmed this one — but these are close.

Comparable boats the fleet has on camera: same type, within a quarter of her length. Open the boat, or watch the video — a timestamp means she only appears in passing.

Islander Yachts Bahama 309.12 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA 1973-1985 production masthead sloop sharing its hull with the Islander 30 MKII and featuring a balanced fin keel
Hunter Boats Horizon 309.14 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA David Thomas-designed fractional sloop with twin keels, offered in kit form for versatile shoal-water cruising
CS 309.14 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthThe most popular model from CS Yachts, with over 90 units launched in its debut year alone
Seafarer Yachts 309.13 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA masthead sloop available with a tall rig and keel centerboard, distinct from the earlier Tripp-designed model
Bristol Yachts 29.99.12 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA 1977-1986 masthead sloop featuring a tall rig option and a choice between fixed keel or keel-centerboard configurations
Dufour Arpege 309.14 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA record-breaking production of over 1500 units, this MORC-compliant racer-cruiser defined a new standard for the 30-foot class

The family

Related models

The designs closest to hers — usually the rest of the builder's range, sometimes the same hull sold under another name.

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Nothing filmed of this one yet

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