Swan 39 vs Swan 43
How do the Swan 39 and Swan 43 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 39 
Swan 43 | Swan 39 | Swan 43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 31.0 ft9.45 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 31.0 ft9.45 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 11.7 ft3.55 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 7.2 ft2.20 m |
| Displacement | 18,001 lb8,165 kg | 22,531 lb10,220 kg |
| Ballast | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 10,400 lb4,717 kg |
| Sail area | 761 ft²70.7 m² | 821 ft²76.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.73 | 16.47 |
| Displacement / Length | 257 | 338 |
| Comfort ratio | 30.6 | 42.7 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 1.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Swan 39 vs Swan 43: the short version
- The Swan 39 is the larger boat at 31.5 ft9.60 m LOA versus 31.0 ft9.45 m for the Swan 43.
- The Swan 43 is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 39 carries the more powerful rig (17.7 vs 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 43 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 43 rates better for offshore work (1.65 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.