2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 vs 1981 Nautor Swan 36 — Comparison

2015 Beneteau Oceanis 352015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
VS
1981 Nautor Swan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 Beneteau Oceanis 351981 Nautor Swan 36
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNautor Swan
Year2015–20181981–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerGroupe Finot-ConqSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA10.45 m (34.3 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL9.38 m (30.8 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)54.5 m² (587 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
17.35
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
30.33
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
0.82
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
17.31
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 and 1981 Nautor Swan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is 0.52m longer than the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.35 and 57.0 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 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 and 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 80L 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 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 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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