2003 Nautor Swan 50 vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Nautor Swan 50 | 2017 Dehler 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Dehler |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | Germany |
| Designer | German Frers | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.24 m (50.0 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.55 m (8.4 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,500 kg (31,967 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 480 L (126.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was penned by German Frers. The 2017 Dehler 46 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 measures 15.24m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is 1.14m longer than the 2017 Dehler 46. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 displaces approximately 38% 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 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 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 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, 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 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L 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 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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Or view individual specs: 2003 Nautor Swan 50 · 2017 Dehler 46