Swan 38 vs Swan 45
How do the Swan 38 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 38 
Swan 45 | Swan 38 | Swan 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 45.4 ft13.83 m |
| Waterline length | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 39.6 ft12.07 m |
| Beam | 11.6 ft3.52 m | 12.8 ft3.91 m |
| Draft | 6.6 ft2.00 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Displacement | 18,739 lb8,500 kg | 21,716 lb9,850 kg |
| Ballast | 7,100 lb3,221 kg | 8,620 lb3,910 kg |
| Sail area | 667 ft²62.0 m² | 1,411 ft²131.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.13 | 29.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 354 | 156 |
| Comfort ratio | 38.8 | 27.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.84 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 8.4 |
Swan 38 vs Swan 45: the short version
- The Swan 45 is the larger boat at 45.4 ft13.83 m LOA versus 28.7 ft8.75 m for the Swan 38.
- The Swan 45 is heavier, displacing about 16% 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 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.