1983 Nautor Swan 44 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

1983 Nautor Swan 44
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Nautor Swan 441988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanWesterly
Year1983–19911988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUK
DesignerSparkman & StephensEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.41m longer than the 1988 Westerly Corsair. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 79% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.50 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1983 Nautor Swan 44 · 1988 Westerly Corsair