2003 Nautor Swan 50 vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison
2014 Amel 55
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Nautor Swan 50 | 2014 Amel 55 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Amel |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 2014–2021 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | France |
| Designer | German Frers | Olivier Racoupeau |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.24 m (50.0 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) | 4.75 m (15.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.55 m (8.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,500 kg (31,967 lbs) | 19,500 kg (42,990 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs) | 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 580 L (153.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 480 L (126.8 gal) | 780 L (206.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was penned by German Frers. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.
In terms of size, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 measures 15.24m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2014 Amel 55 is 1.56m longer than the 2003 Nautor Swan 50. The 2014 Amel 55 displaces approximately 34% 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 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, 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 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for 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 · 2014 Amel 55