1993 Nautor Swan 46 vs 1971 Nautor Swan 65 — Comparison

1993 Nautor Swan 46
VS
1971 Nautor Swan 651971 Nautor Swan 65

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Nautor Swan 461971 Nautor Swan 65
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanNautor Swan
Year1993–20011971–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFinland
DesignerGerman FrersSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA14.05 m (46.1 ft)19.81 m (65.0 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)15.09 m (49.5 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)4.72 m (15.5 ft)
Draft2.35 m (7.7 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)27,216 kg (60,001 lbs)
Ballast4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)10,886 kg (23,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)139.0 m² (1,496 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP120 HP
Fuel Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)750 L (198.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
17.59
1971 Nautor Swan 65
15.60
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
40.74
1971 Nautor Swan 65
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
0.71
1971 Nautor Swan 65
0.63
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
19.65
1971 Nautor Swan 65
19.42

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 and 1971 Nautor Swan 65 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1971 Nautor Swan 65 is a 1970s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 was penned by German Frers. The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 measures 14.05m (46.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 1971 Nautor Swan 65 at 19.81m (65.0ft) with a 4.72m beam. The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 is 5.76m longer than the 1993 Nautor Swan 46. The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 displaces approximately 122% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.59 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 1971 Nautor Swan 65, with an SA/D of 15.60 and 139.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 has a comfort ratio of 19.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.63. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 and 40.0% for the 1971 Nautor Swan 65, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 220L of fuel. The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 750L water and 450L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 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 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1971 Nautor Swan 65 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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