1983 Nautor Swan 44 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison

1983 Nautor Swan 44
VS
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Nautor Swan 442009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanBeneteau
Year1983–19912009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFrance
DesignerSparkman & StephensFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)10.44 m (34.3 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.29 m (7.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)5,550 kg (12,236 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
16.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
28.83
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
18.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.97m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 104% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1983 Nautor Swan 44 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34