Swan 38 vs Swan 601
How do the Swan 38 and Swan 601 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 38 
Swan 601 | Swan 38 | Swan 601 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 60.0 ft18.30 m |
| Waterline length | 28.7 ft8.75 m | 52.9 ft16.13 m |
| Beam | 11.6 ft3.52 m | 14.9 ft4.54 m |
| Draft | 6.6 ft2.00 m | 11.8 ft3.60 m |
| Displacement | 18,739 lb8,500 kg | 39,683 lb18,000 kg |
| Ballast | 7,100 lb3,221 kg | 18,700 lb8,482 kg |
| Sail area | 667 ft²62.0 m² | 2,380 ft²221.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.13 | 32.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 354 | 120 |
| Comfort ratio | 38.8 | 30.5 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 9.7 |
Swan 38 vs Swan 601: the short version
- The Swan 601 is the larger boat at 60.0 ft18.30 m LOA versus 28.7 ft8.75 m for the Swan 38.
- The Swan 601 is heavier, displacing about 112% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 601 carries the more powerful rig (32.7 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 1.75).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.