Swan 38 vs Swan 48 Frers
How do the Swan 38 and Swan 48 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 38 
Swan 48 Frers | Swan 38 | Swan 48 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 41.0 ft12.50 m |
| Waterline length | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 41.0 ft12.50 m |
| Beam | 11.6 ft3.52 m | 14.2 ft4.32 m |
| Draft | 6.6 ft2.00 m | 7.8 ft2.38 m |
| Displacement | 18,739 lb8,500 kg | 31,526 lb14,300 kg |
| Ballast | 7,100 lb3,221 kg | 12,100 lb5,488 kg |
| Sail area | 667 ft²62.0 m² | 1,142 ft²106.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.13 | 18.31 |
| Displacement / Length | 354 | 204 |
| Comfort ratio | 38.8 | 34.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.79 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 8.6 |
Swan 38 vs Swan 48 Frers: the short version
- The Swan 48 Frers is the larger boat at 41.0 ft12.50 m LOA versus 28.7 ft8.75 m for the Swan 38.
- The Swan 48 Frers is heavier, displacing about 68% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 48 Frers carries the more powerful rig (18.3 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 1.79).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.