2008 Nautor Swan 45 vs Bavaria 50 Cruiser — Comparison

2008 Nautor Swan 45
VS
Bavaria 50 CruiserBavaria 50 Cruiser

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Nautor Swan 45Bavaria 50 Cruiser
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanBavaria
Year2008–20132007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandGermany
DesignerGerman FrersFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA13.84 m (45.4 ft)15.40 m (50.5 ft)
LWL12.19 m (40.0 ft)13.50 m (44.3 ft)
Beam4.10 m (13.5 ft)4.55 m (14.9 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,433 kg (23,001 lbs)14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)
Ballast4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)530 L (140.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths610
Cabins35

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Nautor Swan 45
20.21
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
18.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Nautor Swan 45
41.30
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
32.14
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Nautor Swan 45
0.75
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Nautor Swan 45
15.21
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
14.44

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 and Bavaria 50 Cruiser represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Bavaria 50 Cruiser is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 was penned by German Frers. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 measures 13.84m (45.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.10m, compared to the Bavaria 50 Cruiser at 15.40m (50.5ft) with a 4.55m beam. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser is 1.56m longer than the 2008 Nautor Swan 45. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser displaces approximately 34% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.21 and 95.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser, with an SA/D of 18.89 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Bavaria 50 Cruiser has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 and 32.1% for the Bavaria 50 Cruiser, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 provides 6 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser offers 10 berths in 5 cabins with 530L water and 300L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 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 2008 Nautor Swan 45 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 50 Cruiser 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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