1984 Nautor Swan 57 vs 2013 Oyster 485 — Comparison

1984 Nautor Swan 57
VS
2013 Oyster 485

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Nautor Swan 572013 Oyster 485
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanOyster
Year1984–19902013–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUnited Kingdom
DesignerGerman FrersRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA17.37 m (57.0 ft)14.85 m (48.7 ft)
LWL13.41 m (44.0 ft)12.70 m (41.7 ft)
Beam4.57 m (15.0 ft)4.38 m (14.4 ft)
Draft2.59 m (8.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement23,587 kg (52,000 lbs)14,200 kg (31,306 lbs)
Ballast9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area130.0 m² (1,399 ft²)98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity600 L (158.5 gal)550 L (145.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
16.05
2013 Oyster 485
16.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
38.46
2013 Oyster 485
38.03
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
0.64
2013 Oyster 485
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Nautor Swan 57
22.46
2013 Oyster 485
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 and 2013 Oyster 485 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2013 Oyster 485 is a modern offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 was penned by German Frers. The 2013 Oyster 485 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 measures 17.37m (57.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.57m, compared to the 2013 Oyster 485 at 14.85m (48.7ft) with a 4.38m beam. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 is 2.52m longer than the 2013 Oyster 485. The 1984 Nautor Swan 57 displaces approximately 66% 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 2013 Oyster 485, with an SA/D of 16.98 and 98.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2013 Oyster 485 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 2013 Oyster 485 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1984 Nautor Swan 57 and 38.0% for the 2013 Oyster 485, 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 2013 Oyster 485 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 300L 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 2013 Oyster 485 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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