1981 Nautor Swan 36 vs 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 — Comparison

1981 Nautor Swan 36
VS
2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Nautor Swan 362010 Wauquiez Centurion 45
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanWauquiez
Year1981–19892010–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFrance
DesignerSparkman & StephensJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)4.05 m (13.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)4,400 kg (9,700 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45
17.71
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45
38.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73
2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45
18.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 and 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 is a modern offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 was designed by Jean Berret.

In terms of size, the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.05m beam. The 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 is 2.75m longer than the 1981 Nautor Swan 36. The 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 displaces approximately 79% 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 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45, with an SA/D of 17.71 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 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 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 and 38.8% for the 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45, 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 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L 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 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2010 Wauquiez Centurion 45 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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