1977 Nautor Swan 47 vs 1996 Najad 380 — Comparison

1977 Nautor Swan 471977 Nautor Swan 47
VS
1996 Najad 380

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1977 Nautor Swan 471996 Najad 380
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanNajad
Year1977–19851996–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandSweden
DesignerSparkman & StephensJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA14.33 m (47.0 ft)11.55 m (37.9 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)9.50 m (31.2 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,969 kg (33,001 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)3,050 kg (6,724 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area89.2 m² (960 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity454 L (119.9 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
14.92
1996 Najad 380
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
42.42
1996 Najad 380
40.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
0.67
1996 Najad 380
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1977 Nautor Swan 47
25.44
1996 Najad 380
20.83

Detailed Comparison

The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 and 1996 Najad 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 is a 1970s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1996 Najad 380 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1996 Najad 380 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 measures 14.33m (47.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 1996 Najad 380 at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 is 2.78m longer than the 1996 Najad 380. The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.92 and 89.2 m² of sail area. The 1996 Najad 380, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Najad 380 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 1996 Najad 380 has a comfort ratio of 20.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 and 40.7% for the 1996 Najad 380, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1977 Nautor Swan 47 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1996 Najad 380 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 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 1996 Najad 380 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1977 Nautor Swan 47 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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