1988 Swan 38 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1988 Swan 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Swan 38 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Dufour |
| Year | 1988–1993 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | France |
| Designer | German Frers | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.2 m² (680 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Swan 38 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Swan 38 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1988 Swan 38 was penned by German Frers. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1988 Swan 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1988 Swan 38 is 1.85m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1988 Swan 38 displaces approximately 66% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Swan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 63.2 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1988 Swan 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Swan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1988 Swan 38 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Swan 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Swan 38 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 1988 Swan 38 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1988 Swan 38 · Dufour 32 Classic