2003 Nautor Swan 50 vs 2005 Oyster 54 — Comparison

2003 Nautor Swan 50
VS
2005 Oyster 54

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2003 Nautor Swan 502005 Oyster 54
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanOyster
Year2003–20082005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUnited Kingdom
DesignerGerman FrersRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA15.24 m (50.0 ft)16.46 m (54.0 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)13.70 m (44.9 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)4.60 m (15.1 ft)
Draft2.55 m (8.4 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)19,000 kg (41,888 lbs)
Ballast5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)120.0 m² (1,292 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP130 HP
Fuel Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)420 L (111.0 gal)
Water Capacity480 L (126.8 gal)750 L (198.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Nautor Swan 50
18.45
2005 Oyster 54
17.12
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Nautor Swan 50
39.31
2005 Oyster 54
37.89
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Nautor Swan 50
0.71
2005 Oyster 54
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Nautor Swan 50
17.43
2005 Oyster 54
18.11

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 2005 Oyster 54 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2005 Oyster 54 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was penned by German Frers. The 2005 Oyster 54 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 measures 15.24m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2005 Oyster 54 at 16.46m (54.0ft) with a 4.60m beam. The 2005 Oyster 54 is 1.22m longer than the 2003 Nautor Swan 50. The 2005 Oyster 54 displaces approximately 31% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.45 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Oyster 54, with an SA/D of 17.12 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2005 Oyster 54 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 37.9% for the 2005 Oyster 54, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 480L of water capacity and 280L of fuel. The 2005 Oyster 54 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 750L water and 420L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Oyster 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 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 Oyster 54 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 2003 Nautor Swan 50 · 2005 Oyster 54