Dufour 460 Grand Large vs 2003 Nautor Swan 50 — Comparison

Dufour 460 Grand Large
VS
2003 Nautor Swan 50

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 460 Grand Large2003 Nautor Swan 50
General
ManufacturerDufourNautor Swan
Year2016–20202003–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA14.15 m (46.4 ft)15.24 m (50.0 ft)
LWL12.65 m (41.5 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.55 m (8.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,000 kg (24,251 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast3,400 kg (7,496 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Water Capacity430 L (113.6 gal)480 L (126.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
18.89
2003 Nautor Swan 50
18.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
30.91
2003 Nautor Swan 50
39.31
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
0.78
2003 Nautor Swan 50
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
13.89
2003 Nautor Swan 50
17.43

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 460 Grand Large and 2003 Nautor Swan 50 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 460 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 460 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Dufour 460 Grand Large measures 14.15m (46.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 2003 Nautor Swan 50 at 15.24m (50.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 is 1.09m longer than the Dufour 460 Grand Large. The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 displaces approximately 32% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 460 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 92.0 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 460 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 460 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2003 Nautor Swan 50 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Dufour 460 Grand Large and 39.3% for the 2003 Nautor Swan 50, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 460 Grand Large provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 430L of water capacity and 200L 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 460 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 460 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.

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