Dufour 36 Classic vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 36 Classic | 2015 ClubSwan 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Nautor Swan |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Finland |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Juan Kouyoumdjian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 36 Classic and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.
In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.10m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 Classic 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 36 Classic 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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Or view individual specs: Dufour 36 Classic · 2015 ClubSwan 36