Nautor 43 vs Swan 55
How do the Nautor 43 and Swan 55 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Nautor 43 
Swan 55 | Nautor 43 | Swan 55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 54.6 ft16.65 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 38.5 ft11.73 m |
| Beam | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 14.2 ft4.33 m |
| Draft | 5.9 ft1.80 m | 8.5 ft2.60 m |
| Displacement | 33,069 lb15,000 kg | 45,636 lb20,700 kg |
| Ballast | 9,040 lb4,100 kg | 17,000 lb7,711 kg |
| Sail area | 832 ft²77.3 m² | 1,277 ft²118.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 12.92 | 16.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 472 | 358 |
| Comfort ratio | 49.0 | 47.5 |
| Capsize screening | 1.73 | 1.59 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 8.3 |
Nautor 43 vs Swan 55: the short version
- The Swan 55 is the larger boat at 54.6 ft16.65 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Nautor 43.
- The Swan 55 is heavier, displacing about 38% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 55 carries the more powerful rig (16.0 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 rates better for offshore work (1.59 vs 1.73).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.