1997 Nautor Swan 48 vs Hanse 400 — Comparison

1997 Nautor Swan 481997 Nautor Swan 48
VS
Hanse 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Nautor Swan 48Hanse 400
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanHanse
Year1997–20042002–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandGermany
DesignerGerman Frersjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA14.63 m (48.0 ft)12.10 m (39.7 ft)
LWL12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.60 m (34.8 ft)
Beam4.24 m (13.9 ft)3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,608 kg (30,000 lbs)7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
18.71
Hanse 400
17.87
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
40.00
Hanse 400
30.92
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
0.71
Hanse 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Nautor Swan 48
18.28
Hanse 400
16.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and Hanse 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 is a 1990s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Hanse 400 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 was penned by German Frers. The Hanse 400 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the Hanse 400 at 12.10m (39.7ft) with a 3.80m beam. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 is 2.53m longer than the Hanse 400. The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 displaces approximately 79% 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 Hanse 400, with an SA/D of 17.87 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hanse 400 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1997 Nautor Swan 48 and 30.9% for the Hanse 400, 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 Hanse 400 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Nautor Swan 48 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: The Hanse 400 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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