Swan 36 Frers vs Swan 38
How do the Swan 36 Frers and Swan 38 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 36 Frers 
Swan 38 | Swan 36 Frers | Swan 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.7 ft9.06 m | 28.7 ft8.75 m |
| Waterline length | 29.7 ft9.06 m | 28.7 ft8.75 m |
| Beam | 12.0 ft3.65 m | 11.6 ft3.52 m |
| Draft | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 6.6 ft2.00 m |
| Displacement | 14,771 lb6,700 kg | 18,739 lb8,500 kg |
| Ballast | 5,600 lb2,540 kg | 7,100 lb3,221 kg |
| Sail area | 624 ft²58.0 m² | 667 ft²62.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.58 | 15.13 |
| Displacement / Length | 251 | 354 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.1 | 38.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.95 | 1.74 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 7.2 |
Swan 36 Frers vs Swan 38: the short version
- The Swan 36 Frers is the larger boat at 29.7 ft9.06 m LOA versus 28.7 ft8.75 m for the Swan 38.
- The Swan 38 is heavier, displacing about 27% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 36 Frers carries the more powerful rig (16.6 vs 15.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 38 rates better for offshore work (1.74 vs 1.95).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.