Swan 38 vs Swan 43 Holland
How do the Swan 38 and Swan 43 Holland compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 38 
Swan 43 Holland | Swan 38 | Swan 43 Holland | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 34.1 ft10.40 m |
| Waterline length | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 34.1 ft10.40 m |
| Beam | 11.6 ft3.52 m | 13.1 ft4.00 m |
| Draft | 6.6 ft2.00 m | 8.2 ft2.50 m |
| Displacement | 18,739 lb8,500 kg | 23,369 lb10,600 kg |
| Ballast | 7,100 lb3,221 kg | 9,040 lb4,100 kg |
| Sail area | 667 ft²62.0 m² | 879 ft²81.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.13 | 17.21 |
| Displacement / Length | 354 | 263 |
| Comfort ratio | 38.8 | 34.3 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.84 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 7.8 |
Swan 38 vs Swan 43 Holland: the short version
- The Swan 43 Holland is the larger boat at 34.1 ft10.40 m LOA versus 28.7 ft8.75 m for the Swan 38.
- The Swan 43 Holland is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 43 Holland carries the more powerful rig (17.2 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 1.84).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.