1977 Morgan 382 vs 1983 Nautor Swan 44 — Comparison

1977 Morgan 3821977 Morgan 382
VS
1983 Nautor Swan 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1977 Morgan 3821983 Nautor Swan 44
General
ManufacturerMorganNautor Swan
Year1977–19831983–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerCharley MorganSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.29 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.4 m² (650 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1977 Morgan 382
16.04
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1977 Morgan 382
39.39
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1977 Morgan 382
0.72
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1977 Morgan 382
21.21
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67

Detailed Comparison

The 1977 Morgan 382 and 1983 Nautor Swan 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Morgan 382 is a 1970s design by Morgan from USA, while the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1977 Morgan 382 was penned by Charley Morgan. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 1977 Morgan 382 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 1.83m longer than the 1977 Morgan 382. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1977 Morgan 382 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.04 and 60.4 m² of sail area. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1977 Morgan 382 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1977 Morgan 382 and 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1977 Morgan 382 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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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Or view individual specs: 1977 Morgan 382 · 1983 Nautor Swan 44