Question 1

What are the specs of the NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

The NICHOLSON 303 has the following specifications: 30.25ft LOA, 10.25ft beam, 5.58ft draft, 7,840lb displacement. Hull type: mono. Rig: Masthead Sloop. Keel: Fin.

Question 2

Who built the NICHOLSON 303 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Camper & Nicholson, designed by Ron Holland, first built in 1979, 35 units were produced.

Question 3

Is the NICHOLSON 303 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The NICHOLSON 303 is classified as a Racer/Cruiser. It has a comfort ratio of 21, which means it offers moderate comfort, good for coastal cruising and some offshore work. The capsize screening ratio is 2.07, which is acceptable for offshore use.

Question 4

How fast is the NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

The NICHOLSON 303 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 20.01, which indicates high performance and good speed potential. The displacement to length ratio is 247.88, making it a moderate displacement sailboat.

Question 5

How much does it cost to maintain a NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a NICHOLSON 303 is estimated at $1.5K – $4.0K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 6

How much does it cost to own a NICHOLSON 303 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the NICHOLSON 303 (30.25ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $1.5K – $4.0K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $500-$2000/year (based on $unknown average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 30.25ft boat: Florida: $5,400-$14,500/year. California: $5,100-$12,700/year. Massachusetts: $3,800-$8,500/year + $1,200 winter storage. New York: $3,800-$10,600/year + $1,200 winter storage. Maryland: $3,600-$6,500/year. Texas: $2,200-$6,500/year. Washington: $4,400-$9,400/year. Michigan: $2,100-$4,700/year + $1,200 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,300-$6,500/year. South Carolina: $4,700-$9,100/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $4K to $24K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 7

How much does it cost to dock a NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the NICHOLSON 303 (30.25ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $5,400-$14,500/year. California: $5,100-$12,700/year. Massachusetts: $3,800-$8,500/year + $1,200 winter storage. New York: $3,800-$10,600/year + $1,200 winter storage. Maryland: $3,600-$6,500/year. Texas: $2,200-$6,500/year. Washington: $4,400-$9,400/year. Michigan: $2,100-$4,700/year + $1,200 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,300-$6,500/year. South Carolina: $4,700-$9,100/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 8

What are the common problems with the NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 1 issues reported for the NICHOLSON 303 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in rudder, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the NICHOLSON 303.

Question 9

What should I look for when buying a NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

When buying a NICHOLSON 303, SailPages.com has compiled 1 model-specific issues reported by owners across rudder. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the NICHOLSON 303 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 10

What are the sail dimensions of the NICHOLSON 303?

Accepted Answer

The NICHOLSON 303 has the following rig dimensions: I=38.5ft (foretriangle height), J=11.8ft (foretriangle base), P=32.3ft (mainsail luff), E=10ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 401.6 sq ft. Jib area: 227.2 sq ft.

Question 11

How does the NICHOLSON 303 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The NICHOLSON 303 is classified as a Racer/Cruiser by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 30.25ft LOA, comfort ratio 21, capsize ratio 2.07, SA/disp 20.01. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	30.25 ft
LWL	24.17 ft
Beam	10.25 ft
Draft	5.58 ft
Displacement	7,840 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.6 kn

Iforetriangle height	38.5 ft
Jforetriangle base	11.8 ft
Pmainsail luff	32.3 ft
Emainsail foot	10 ft
FLforestay	11.8 ft
Mainsail	401.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)	227.2 sq ft
Spinnaker	386.2 sq ft

NICHOLSON 303

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

About the NICHOLSON 303

Performance

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Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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