Nautor 43 vs Swan 55 Frers
How do the Nautor 43 and Swan 55 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Nautor 43 | Nautor 43 | Swan 55 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.9 ft13.07 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.9 ft13.07 m |
| Beam | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 15.9 ft4.85 m |
| Draft | 5.9 ft1.80 m | 8.5 ft2.60 m |
| Displacement | 33,069 lb15,000 kg | 52,029 lb23,600 kg |
| Ballast | 9,040 lb4,100 kg | 19,900 lb9,026 kg |
| Sail area | 832 ft²77.3 m² | 1,147 ft²106.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 12.92 | 13.17 |
| Displacement / Length | 472 | 295 |
| Comfort ratio | 49.0 | 47.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.73 | 1.70 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 8.8 |
Nautor 43 vs Swan 55 Frers: the short version
- The Swan 55 Frers is the larger boat at 42.9 ft13.07 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Nautor 43.
- The Swan 55 Frers is heavier, displacing about 57% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 55 Frers carries the more powerful rig (13.2 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 55 Frers rates better for offshore work (1.70 vs 1.73).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.