1984 Nautor Swan 57 vs 2003 Nautor Swan 50 — Comparison

1984 Nautor Swan 57
VS
2003 Nautor Swan 50

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Nautor Swan 572003 Nautor Swan 50
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanNautor Swan
Year1984–19902003–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFinland
DesignerGerman FrersGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA17.37 m (57.0 ft)15.24 m (50.0 ft)
LWL13.41 m (44.0 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.57 m (15.0 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft2.59 m (8.5 ft)2.55 m (8.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement23,587 kg (52,000 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area130.0 m² (1,399 ft²)108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Water Capacity600 L (158.5 gal)480 L (126.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
16.05
2003 Nautor Swan 50
18.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
38.46
2003 Nautor Swan 50
39.31
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
0.64
2003 Nautor Swan 50
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
22.46
2003 Nautor Swan 50
17.43

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 and 2003 Nautor Swan 50 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is a 2000s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 was penned by German Frers. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 measures 17.37m (57.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.57m, compared to the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 at 15.24m (50.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 is 2.13m longer than the 2003 Nautor Swan 50. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.05 and 130.0 m² of sail area. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50, with an SA/D of 18.45 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.64). The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 and 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 600L of water capacity and 400L of fuel. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 480L water and 280L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 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 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 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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