1997 Nautor Swan 48 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
1997 Nautor Swan 48
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Nautor Swan 48 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1997–2004 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,608 kg (30,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 105.0 m² (1,130 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 was penned by German Frers. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 is 2.44m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.71 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 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 48 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1997 Nautor Swan 48 · 1987 Cape Dory 40