Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 boat specs
Nacra Sailing
Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998
1998
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VS
Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 boat specs
Nacra Sailing
Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996
1996
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Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 vs Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 vs Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 328 lbs for the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and 397 lbs for the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

The Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging.

Both the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.

Bottom line: The Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8.00 ft
Beam8.60 ft
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches103
Displacement328.00 lbs
Displacement397.00 lbs
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail18.10 ft
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18.1
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters5.52
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches217
Body / Hull
Rudder2 transom hung rudders
Rudder2 transom hung rudders
Helm1 tiller
Helm1 tiller
Operational Info
TrailerableYes
TrailerableYes
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Mast ConfigurationFore beam stepped mast
Mast ConfigurationFore beam stepped mast
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 vs Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 or the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996?
For trailering, the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 has the edge at 328 lbs dry weight versus 397 lbs for the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many passengers can the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 carry?
The Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Is the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 or the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 at 397 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 at 328 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 be trailered?
Yes — both the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 are listed as trailerable, which means you can store either at home, launch at different ramps, and avoid marina fees entirely. Confirm rig height against your route's bridge clearances before the first trip.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 measures 103" wide, compared to 96" for the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Nacra Sailing Nacra 500 Sport Sport 1998 and the Nacra Sailing Nacra Inter 18 1996 are built by Nacra Sailing. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.