Catalina 470 vs Swan 65
How do the Catalina 470 and Swan 65 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Catalina 470 | Swan 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 47.7 ft14.53 m | 47.0 ft14.33 m |
| Waterline length | 42.0 ft12.80 m | 47.0 ft14.33 m |
| Beam | 14.0 ft4.27 m | 16.3 ft4.98 m |
| Draft | 7.8 ft2.39 m | 9.5 ft2.90 m |
| Displacement | 27,000 lb12,247 kg | 70,107 lb31,800 kg |
| Ballast | 8,800 lb3,992 kg | 22,928 lb10,400 kg |
| Sail area | 1,010 ft²93.8 m² | —— |
| SA / Displacement | 17.96 | — |
| Displacement / Length | 163 | 301 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.4 | 55.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.87 | 1.59 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.7 | 9.2 |
Catalina 470 vs Swan 65: the short version
- The Catalina 470 is the larger boat at 47.7 ft14.53 m LOA versus 47.0 ft14.33 m for the Swan 65.
- The Swan 65 is heavier, displacing about 160% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- The Swan 65 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 65 rates better for offshore work (1.59 vs 1.87).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.