Beneteau First 47.7 vs 2005 Nautor Swan 54 — Comparison

Beneteau First 47.7
VS
2005 Nautor Swan 54

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 47.72005 Nautor Swan 54
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNautor Swan
Year2003–20082005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA14.69 m (48.2 ft)16.50 m (54.1 ft)
LWL12.90 m (42.3 ft)13.50 m (44.3 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)4.45 m (14.6 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.60 m (8.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)17,500 kg (38,581 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)6,600 kg (14,550 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)115.0 m² (1,238 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP100 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)360 L (95.1 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)560 L (147.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 47.7
20.93
2005 Nautor Swan 54
17.33
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 47.7
36.52
2005 Nautor Swan 54
37.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 47.7
0.76
2005 Nautor Swan 54
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 47.7
14.02
2005 Nautor Swan 54
17.75

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 47.7 and 2005 Nautor Swan 54 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Nautor Swan 54 is a 2000s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Beneteau First 47.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 47.7 measures 14.69m (48.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2005 Nautor Swan 54 at 16.50m (54.1ft) with a 4.45m beam. The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 is 1.81m longer than the Beneteau First 47.7. The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 47.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.93 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Nautor Swan 54, with an SA/D of 17.33 and 115.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 47.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 47.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 has a comfort ratio of 17.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7 and 37.7% for the 2005 Nautor Swan 54, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 47.7 provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 560L water and 360L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Nautor Swan 54 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 First 47.7 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 First 47.7 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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