1983 Nautor Swan 44 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

1983 Nautor Swan 44
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Nautor Swan 441990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanSabre
Year1983–19911990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUSA
DesignerSparkman & StephensRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.44m longer than the 1990 Sabre 36. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 92% 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 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 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 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 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, 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 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L 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: The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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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