2001 Nautor Swan 42 vs 2010 Elan 340 — Comparison

2001 Nautor Swan 42
VS
2010 Elan 3402010 Elan 340

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2001 Nautor Swan 422010 Elan 340
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanElan
Year2001–20062010–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandSlovenia
DesignerGerman FrersRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL10.97 m (36.0 ft)9.00 m (29.5 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,300 kg (20,503 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2001 Nautor Swan 42
18.84
2010 Elan 340
17.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2001 Nautor Swan 42
40.86
2010 Elan 340
30.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2001 Nautor Swan 42
0.75
2010 Elan 340
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2001 Nautor Swan 42
17.22
2010 Elan 340
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 and 2010 Elan 340 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2010 Elan 340 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 was penned by German Frers. The 2010 Elan 340 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2001 Nautor Swan 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2010 Elan 340 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 is 2.44m longer than the 2010 Elan 340. The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 displaces approximately 60% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2001 Nautor Swan 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.84 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 2010 Elan 340, with an SA/D of 17.31 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2001 Nautor Swan 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2001 Nautor Swan 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2010 Elan 340 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 2001 Nautor Swan 42 and 30.2% for the 2010 Elan 340, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2001 Nautor Swan 42 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 2010 Elan 340 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 160L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Elan 340 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 2001 Nautor Swan 42 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: 2001 Nautor Swan 42 · 2010 Elan 340