Swan 36 Frers vs Swan 45
How do the Swan 36 Frers and Swan 45 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 45 | Swan 36 Frers | Swan 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.7 ft9.06 m | 45.4 ft13.83 m |
| Waterline length | 29.7 ft9.06 m | 39.6 ft12.07 m |
| Beam | 12.0 ft3.65 m | 12.8 ft3.91 m |
| Draft | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Displacement | 14,771 lb6,700 kg | 21,716 lb9,850 kg |
| Ballast | 5,600 lb2,540 kg | 8,620 lb3,910 kg |
| Sail area | 624 ft²58.0 m² | 1,411 ft²131.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.58 | 29.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 251 | 156 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.1 | 27.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.95 | 1.84 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 8.4 |
Swan 36 Frers vs Swan 45: the short version
- The Swan 45 is the larger boat at 45.4 ft13.83 m LOA versus 29.7 ft9.06 m for the Swan 36 Frers.
- The Swan 45 is heavier, displacing about 47% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 45 carries the more powerful rig (29.0 vs 16.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 36 Frers scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 45 rates better for offshore work (1.84 vs 1.95).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.