2008 Nautor Swan 45 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Nautor Swan 45 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Catalina |
| Year | 2008–2013 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.84 m (45.4 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.10 m (13.5 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 95.0 m² (1,023 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 is a 2000s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 measures 13.84m (45.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.10m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 is 1.95m longer than the Catalina 390. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.21 and 95.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Nautor Swan 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Nautor Swan 45 provides 6 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The Catalina 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 2008 Nautor Swan 45 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 390 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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Or view individual specs: 2008 Nautor Swan 45 · Catalina 390