Dufour 520 Grand Large vs 2003 Nautor Swan 50 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 520 Grand Large | 2003 Nautor Swan 50 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Nautor Swan |
| Year | 2012–2017 | 2003–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Finland |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.80 m (51.8 ft) | 15.24 m (50.0 ft) |
| LWL | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.69 m (15.4 ft) | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.45 m (8.0 ft) | 2.55 m (8.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,500 kg (31,967 lbs) | 14,500 kg (31,967 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) | 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 110.0 m² (1,184 ft²) | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 480 L (126.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 7 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 520 Grand Large and 2003 Nautor Swan 50 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 520 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is a 2000s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Dufour 520 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Dufour 520 Grand Large measures 15.80m (51.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.69m, compared to the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 at 15.24m (50.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The Dufour 520 Grand Large is 0.56m longer than the 2003 Nautor Swan 50.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 520 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.79 and 110.0 m² of sail area. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50, with an SA/D of 18.45 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 520 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 520 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Dufour 520 Grand Large and 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 520 Grand Large provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 480L water and 280L 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 Dufour 520 Grand Large 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 520 Grand Large 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 520 Grand Large · 2003 Nautor Swan 50