2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 vs 1993 Nautor Swan 46 — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
VS
1993 Nautor Swan 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xc 421993 Nautor Swan 46
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsNautor Swan
Year2012–20181993–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFinland
DesignerNiels JeppesenGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA12.73 m (41.8 ft)14.05 m (46.1 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.35 m (7.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
1993 Nautor Swan 46
17.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
1993 Nautor Swan 46
40.74
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
1993 Nautor Swan 46
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55
1993 Nautor Swan 46
19.65

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 1993 Nautor Swan 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is a 1990s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 measures 12.73m (41.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 1993 Nautor Swan 46 at 14.05m (46.1ft) with a 4.09m beam. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 is 1.32m longer than the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42. The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 79.0 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 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 40.7% for the 1993 Nautor Swan 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L 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 1993 Nautor Swan 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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