1977 Nautor Swan 47 vs 1996 Moody 45 — Comparison

1977 Nautor Swan 471977 Nautor Swan 47
VS
1996 Moody 451996 Moody 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1977 Nautor Swan 471996 Moody 45
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanMoody
Year1977–19851996–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUK
DesignerSparkman & StephensBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA14.33 m (47.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)4.22 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,969 kg (33,001 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area89.2 m² (960 ft²)85.0 m² (915 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity454 L (119.9 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
14.92
1996 Moody 45
16.03
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
42.42
1996 Moody 45
39.20
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
0.67
1996 Moody 45
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
25.44
1996 Moody 45
19.06

Detailed Comparison

The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 and 1996 Moody 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 is a 1970s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1996 Moody 45 is a 1990s offering from Moody from UK. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1996 Moody 45 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 measures 14.33m (47.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 1996 Moody 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.22m beam. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 is 0.61m longer than the 1996 Moody 45. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.92 and 89.2 m² of sail area. The 1996 Moody 45, with an SA/D of 16.03 and 85.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Moody 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 1996 Moody 45 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 and 39.2% for the 1996 Moody 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1996 Moody 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 1996 Moody 45 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1996 Moody 45 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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