New Zealand 45 vs Swan 44 Frers
How do the New Zealand 45 and Swan 44 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
New Zealand 45 
Swan 44 Frers | New Zealand 45 | Swan 44 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 45.0 ft13.72 m | 45.1 ft13.75 m |
| Waterline length | 36.5 ft11.13 m | 34.6 ft10.56 m |
| Beam | 13.8 ft4.19 m | 13.7 ft4.18 m |
| Draft | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 7.2 ft2.20 m |
| Displacement | 22,000 lb9,979 kg | 24,251 lb11,000 kg |
| Ballast | 10,515 lb4,770 kg | 7,700 lb3,493 kg |
| Sail area | 900 ft²83.6 m² | 890 ft²82.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.34 | 17.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 202 | 260 |
| Comfort ratio | 26.5 | 30.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.96 | 1.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.1 | 7.9 |
New Zealand 45 vs Swan 44 Frers: the short version
- The New Zealand 45 and Swan 44 Frers are close in length (45.0 ft13.72 m vs 45.1 ft13.75 m ).
- The Swan 44 Frers is heavier, displacing about 10% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the New Zealand 45 carries the more powerful rig (18.3 vs 17.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 44 Frers scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 44 Frers rates better for offshore work (1.89 vs 1.96).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.