J/32 vs Swan 40 Frers
How do the J/32 and Swan 40 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
J/32 
Swan 40 Frers | J/32 | Swan 40 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 32.4 ft9.88 m | 32.4 ft9.88 m |
| Waterline length | 29.0 ft8.84 m | 32.4 ft9.88 m |
| Beam | 11.0 ft3.35 m | 12.9 ft3.94 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 7.0 ft2.15 m |
| Displacement | 10,000 lb4,536 kg | 19,401 lb8,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,840 lb1,742 kg | 6,990 lb3,171 kg |
| Sail area | 514 ft²47.8 m² | 830 ft²77.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.72 | 18.39 |
| Displacement / Length | 183 | 254 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.1 | 30.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 1.92 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 7.6 |
J/32 vs Swan 40 Frers: the short version
- The J/32 and Swan 40 Frers are close in length (32.4 ft9.88 m vs 32.4 ft9.88 m ).
- The Swan 40 Frers is heavier, displacing about 94% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 40 Frers carries the more powerful rig (18.4 vs 17.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 40 Frers scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 40 Frers rates better for offshore work (1.92 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.