1997 Nautor Swan 48 vs Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 — Comparison

1997 Nautor Swan 481997 Nautor Swan 48
VS
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Nautor Swan 48Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanBeneteau
Year1997–20042020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFrance
DesignerGerman FrersBerret-Racoupeau
Dimensions
LOA14.63 m (48.0 ft)16.80 m (55.1 ft)
LWL12.19 m (40.0 ft)14.75 m (48.4 ft)
Beam4.24 m (13.9 ft)4.98 m (16.3 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.40 m (7.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,608 kg (30,000 lbs)16,500 kg (36,376 lbs)
Ballast5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)120.0 m² (1,292 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP80 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)600 L (158.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths710
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
18.71
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
18.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
40.00
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
31.52
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
0.71
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
18.28
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
12.65

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 was penned by German Frers. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 was designed by Berret-Racoupeau.

In terms of size, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.98m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 is 2.17m longer than the 1997 Nautor Swan 48. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.71 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54, with an SA/D of 18.81 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a comfort ratio of 12.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and 31.5% for the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 600L water and 350L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 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 Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 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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