Dufour 45E vs 1993 Nautor Swan 46 — Comparison
Dufour 45E
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 45E | 1993 Nautor Swan 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Nautor Swan |
| Year | 2008–2011 | 1993–2001 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Finland |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) | 14.05 m (46.1 ft) |
| LWL | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.35 m (7.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) | 12,247 kg (27,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 380 L (100.4 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 45E and 1993 Nautor Swan 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 45E is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is a 1990s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Dufour 45E was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Dufour 45E measures 13.80m (45.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 at 14.05m (46.1ft) with a 4.09m beam. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is 0.25m longer than the Dufour 45E. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 45E has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 88.0 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 Dufour 45E has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 45E offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.3) 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 30.5% for the Dufour 45E and 40.7% for the 1993 Nautor Swan 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 45E provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L of water capacity and 200L 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 Dufour 45E has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 45E 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: Dufour 45E · 1993 Nautor Swan 46