Dufour 375 Grand Large vs 1983 Nautor Swan 44 — Comparison

Dufour 375 Grand Large
VS
1983 Nautor Swan 44

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 375 Grand Large1983 Nautor Swan 44
General
ManufacturerDufourNautor Swan
Year2009–20131983–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA11.38 m (37.3 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL10.05 m (33.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)2.29 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity240 L (63.4 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.27
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 375 Grand Large
30.88
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 375 Grand Large
0.77
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.06
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 375 Grand Large and 1983 Nautor Swan 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 375 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 375 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the Dufour 375 Grand Large measures 11.38m (37.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.03m longer than the Dufour 375 Grand Large. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 67% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 375 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.27 and 61.0 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 375 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) 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 30.9% for the Dufour 375 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 375 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 240L of water capacity and 130L 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 375 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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