1997 Nautor Swan 40 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

1997 Nautor Swan 40
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Nautor Swan 402005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanDehler
Year1997–20022005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandGermany
DesignerGerman FrersJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area73.5 m² (791 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Nautor Swan 40
17.93
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Nautor Swan 40
42.35
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Nautor Swan 40
0.76
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Nautor Swan 40
18.11
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 was penned by German Frers. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1997 Nautor Swan 40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 is 2.00m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 displaces approximately 77% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Nautor Swan 40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.93 and 73.5 m² of sail area. The 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Nautor Swan 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1997 Nautor Swan 40 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Nautor Swan 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Nautor Swan 40 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 1997 Nautor Swan 40 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: 1997 Nautor Swan 40 · 2005 Dehler 34