Hunter 380 vs 1983 Nautor Swan 44 — Comparison

Hunter 380Hunter 380
VS
1983 Nautor Swan 44

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 3801983 Nautor Swan 44
General
ManufacturerHunterNautor Swan
Year2001–20051983–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerGlenn HendersonSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.29 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area64.0 m² (689 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 380
17.35
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 380
37.51
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 380
0.78
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 380
17.27
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 380 and 1983 Nautor Swan 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 380 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Hunter 380 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the Hunter 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 1.83m longer than the Hunter 380. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 380 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.35 and 64.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 380 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 380 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Hunter 380 and 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 380 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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 Hunter 380 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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