Hanse 320 vs 1981 Nautor Swan 36 — Comparison

Hanse 320Hanse 320
VS
1981 Nautor Swan 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 3201981 Nautor Swan 36
General
ManufacturerHanseNautor Swan
Year2005–20101981–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFinland
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA9.92 m (32.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.80 m (28.9 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)54.5 m² (587 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 320
16.90
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 320
30.43
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 320
0.79
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 320
17.40
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 320 and 1981 Nautor Swan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is 1.05m longer than the Hanse 320. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36, with an SA/D of 16.15 and 54.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 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 Hanse 320 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: Hanse 320 · 1981 Nautor Swan 36