Dufour 365 Grand Large vs 1983 Nautor Swan 44 — Comparison

Dufour 365 Grand Large
VS
1983 Nautor Swan 44

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 365 Grand Large1983 Nautor Swan 44
General
ManufacturerDufourNautor Swan
Year2003–20071983–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerUmberto FelciSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL9.72 m (31.9 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.52 m (11.5 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.29 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.5 m² (619 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity210 L (55.5 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.50
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
30.33
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
0.77
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.21
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 365 Grand Large and 1983 Nautor Swan 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the Dufour 365 Grand Large measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.52m, compared to the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.44m longer than the Dufour 365 Grand Large. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 86% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 365 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.50 and 57.5 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 365 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 365 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L of water capacity and 120L 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 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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