Swan 39 vs Swan 51
How do the Swan 39 and Swan 51 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 39 
Swan 51 | Swan 39 | Swan 51 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.3 ft12.90 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.3 ft12.90 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 14.7 ft4.47 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 8.9 ft2.71 m |
| Displacement | 18,001 lb8,165 kg | 39,602 lb17,963 kg |
| Ballast | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 16,500 lb7,484 kg |
| Sail area | 761 ft²70.7 m² | 1,291 ft²119.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.73 | 17.78 |
| Displacement / Length | 257 | 233 |
| Comfort ratio | 30.6 | 40.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 1.72 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 8.7 |
Swan 39 vs Swan 51: the short version
- The Swan 51 is the larger boat at 42.3 ft12.90 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Swan 39.
- The Swan 51 is heavier, displacing about 120% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 51 carries the more powerful rig (17.8 vs 17.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 51 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 51 rates better for offshore work (1.72 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.