Bavaria 49 vs 1993 Nautor Swan 46 — Comparison

Bavaria 49Bavaria 49
VS
1993 Nautor Swan 46

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 491993 Nautor Swan 46
General
ManufacturerBavariaNautor Swan
Year2005–20091993–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFinland
DesignerJ&J DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA14.98 m (49.1 ft)14.05 m (46.1 ft)
LWL13.10 m (43.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.35 m (7.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area102.0 m² (1,098 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 49
18.74
1993 Nautor Swan 46
17.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 49
32.31
1993 Nautor Swan 46
40.74
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 49
0.77
1993 Nautor Swan 46
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 49
14.47
1993 Nautor Swan 46
19.65

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 49 and 1993 Nautor Swan 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 49 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is a 1990s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Bavaria 49 was penned by J&J Design. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 49 measures 14.98m (49.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 at 14.05m (46.1ft) with a 4.09m beam. The Bavaria 49 is 0.93m longer than the 1993 Nautor Swan 46. The Bavaria 49 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 49 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.74 and 102.0 m² of sail area. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46, with an SA/D of 17.59 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 49 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 49 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Bavaria 49 and 40.7% for the 1993 Nautor Swan 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 49 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 280L of fuel. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 220L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 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 Bavaria 49 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Bavaria 49 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: Bavaria 49 · 1993 Nautor Swan 46