1981 Nautor Swan 36 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

1981 Nautor Swan 36
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Nautor Swan 361971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanC&C Yachts
Year1981–19891971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandCanada
DesignerSparkman & StephensCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is 2.74m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 displaces approximately 155% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.15 and 54.5 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 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 1971 C&C 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 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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