Nautor 43 vs Swan 51
How do the Nautor 43 and Swan 51 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Nautor 43 
Swan 51 | Nautor 43 | Swan 51 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.3 ft12.90 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.3 ft12.90 m |
| Beam | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 14.7 ft4.47 m |
| Draft | 5.9 ft1.80 m | 8.9 ft2.71 m |
| Displacement | 33,069 lb15,000 kg | 39,602 lb17,963 kg |
| Ballast | 9,040 lb4,100 kg | 16,500 lb7,484 kg |
| Sail area | 832 ft²77.3 m² | 1,291 ft²119.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 12.92 | 17.78 |
| Displacement / Length | 472 | 233 |
| Comfort ratio | 49.0 | 40.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.73 | 1.72 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 8.7 |
Nautor 43 vs Swan 51: the short version
- The Swan 51 is the larger boat at 42.3 ft12.90 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Nautor 43.
- The Swan 51 is heavier, displacing about 20% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 51 carries the more powerful rig (17.8 vs 12.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nautor 43 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 51 rates better for offshore work (1.72 vs 1.73).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.