2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 vs 1981 Nautor Swan 36 — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
VS
1981 Nautor Swan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xp 441981 Nautor Swan 36
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsNautor Swan
Year2012–20201981–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFinland
DesignerNiels JeppesenSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA13.29 m (43.6 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL11.70 m (38.4 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam4.02 m (13.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.45 m (8.0 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)54.5 m² (587 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity270 L (71.3 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
19.96
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
37.76
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
0.75
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
15.91
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 and 1981 Nautor Swan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 measures 13.29m (43.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is 2.32m longer than the 1981 Nautor Swan 36. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.96 and 90.0 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 37.8% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 and 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 270L of water capacity and 140L 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 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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