1993 Nautor Swan 46 vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison

1993 Nautor Swan 46
VS
2017 Dehler 462017 Dehler 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Nautor Swan 462017 Dehler 46
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanDehler
Year1993–20012017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandGermany
DesignerGerman FrersJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA14.05 m (46.1 ft)14.10 m (46.3 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.35 m (7.7 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
17.59
2017 Dehler 46
20.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
40.74
2017 Dehler 46
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
0.71
2017 Dehler 46
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Nautor Swan 46
19.65
2017 Dehler 46
13.71

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 was penned by German Frers. The 2017 Dehler 46 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 measures 14.05m (46.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 0.05m longer than the 1993 Nautor Swan 46. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 displaces approximately 17% 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 2017 Dehler 46, with an SA/D of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2017 Dehler 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 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, 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 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L 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 2017 Dehler 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 2017 Dehler 46 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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