1988 Swan 38 vs Hanse 445 — Comparison

1988 Swan 381988 Swan 38
VS
Hanse 445

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Swan 38Hanse 445
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanHanse
Year1988–19932012–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandGermany
DesignerGerman Frersjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA11.55 m (37.9 ft)13.50 m (44.3 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.2 m² (680 ft²)87.0 m² (937 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)370 L (97.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Swan 38
16.78
Hanse 445
18.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Swan 38
42.42
Hanse 445
31.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Swan 38
0.73
Hanse 445
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Swan 38
21.86
Hanse 445
15.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Swan 38 and Hanse 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Swan 38 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Hanse 445 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1988 Swan 38 was penned by German Frers. The Hanse 445 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1988 Swan 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Hanse 445 at 13.50m (44.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Hanse 445 is 1.95m longer than the 1988 Swan 38. The Hanse 445 displaces approximately 35% 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 Hanse 445, with an SA/D of 18.91 and 87.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 445 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 Hanse 445 has a comfort ratio of 15.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1988 Swan 38 and 31.7% for the Hanse 445, 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 Hanse 445 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 370L water and 200L 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 Hanse 445 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 445 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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