2011 J/111 vs 1983 Nautor Swan 44 — Comparison

2011 J/111
VS
1983 Nautor Swan 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2011 J/1111983 Nautor Swan 44
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsNautor Swan
Year20111983–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerAlan JohnstoneSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA11.13 m (36.5 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.29 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area71.0 m² (764 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2011 J/111
24.71
1983 Nautor Swan 44
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2011 J/111
40.90
1983 Nautor Swan 44
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2011 J/111
0.80
1983 Nautor Swan 44
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2011 J/111
14.54
1983 Nautor Swan 44
22.67

Detailed Comparison

The 2011 J/111 and 1983 Nautor Swan 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2011 J/111 is a modern design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2011 J/111 was penned by Alan Johnstone. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2011 J/111 measures 11.13m (36.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1983 Nautor Swan 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 is 2.28m longer than the 2011 J/111. The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 displaces approximately 127% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2011 J/111 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 24.71 and 71.0 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 2011 J/111 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2011 J/111 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1983 Nautor Swan 44 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 2011 J/111 and 40.0% for the 1983 Nautor Swan 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2011 J/111 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 2011 J/111 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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