1983 Nautor Swan 44 vs 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 — Comparison

1983 Nautor Swan 44
VS
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Nautor Swan 442012 Beneteau Oceanis 45
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanBeneteau
Year1983–19912012–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFrance
DesignerSparkman & StephensFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)13.94 m (45.7 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.50 m (41.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.49 m (14.7 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)3,100 kg (6,834 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)330 L (87.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45
19.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45
30.69
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45
12.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 at 13.94m (45.7ft) with a 4.49m beam. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 is 0.53m longer than the 1983 Nautor Swan 44. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.50 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45, with an SA/D of 19.13 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 has a comfort ratio of 12.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 30.7% for the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 330L water and 180L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 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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