Dufour 470 vs 2000 Nautor Swan 56 — Comparison

Dufour 470Dufour 470
VS
2000 Nautor Swan 56

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 4702000 Nautor Swan 56
General
ManufacturerDufourNautor Swan
Year20182000–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA14.23 m (46.7 ft)17.07 m (56.0 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)14.00 m (45.9 ft)
Beam4.39 m (14.4 ft)4.55 m (14.9 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)2.60 m (8.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)20,000 kg (44,092 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area94.0 m² (1,012 ft²)128.0 m² (1,378 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Water Capacity440 L (116.2 gal)650 L (171.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins44

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 470
19.07
2000 Nautor Swan 56
17.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 470
31.25
2000 Nautor Swan 56
39.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 470
0.79
2000 Nautor Swan 56
0.67
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 470
13.70
2000 Nautor Swan 56
18.34

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 470 and 2000 Nautor Swan 56 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 470 is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 2000 Nautor Swan 56 is a 2000s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Dufour 470 was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Dufour 470 measures 14.23m (46.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.39m, compared to the 2000 Nautor Swan 56 at 17.07m (56.0ft) with a 4.55m beam. The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 is 2.84m longer than the Dufour 470. The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 displaces approximately 79% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 470 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.07 and 94.0 m² of sail area. The 2000 Nautor Swan 56, with an SA/D of 17.64 and 128.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 470 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 470 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.67. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Dufour 470 and 39.0% for the 2000 Nautor Swan 56, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 470 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 440L of water capacity and 220L of fuel. The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 650L water and 400L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2000 Nautor Swan 56 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 470 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 470 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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