Express 34 vs Swan 42
How do the Express 34 and Swan 42 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Express 34 
Swan 42 | Express 34 | Swan 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 34.0 ft10.36 m | 34.0 ft10.35 m |
| Waterline length | 28.3 ft8.63 m | 34.0 ft10.35 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 13.0 ft3.95 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 7.9 ft2.40 m |
| Displacement | 8,500 lb3,856 kg | 23,810 lb10,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,700 lb1,678 kg | 9,200 lb4,173 kg |
| Sail area | 534 ft²49.6 m² | 1,029 ft²95.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.51 | 19.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 167 | 271 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.1 | 35.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.80 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.1 | 7.8 |
Express 34 vs Swan 42: the short version
- The Express 34 and Swan 42 are close in length (34.0 ft10.36 m vs 34.0 ft10.35 m ).
- The Swan 42 is heavier, displacing about 180% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Express 34 carries the more powerful rig (20.5 vs 19.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 42 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 42 rates better for offshore work (1.80 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.