Swan 39 vs Swan 55 Frers
How do the Swan 39 and Swan 55 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 39 | Swan 39 | Swan 55 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.9 ft13.07 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 42.9 ft13.07 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 15.9 ft4.85 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 8.5 ft2.60 m |
| Displacement | 18,001 lb8,165 kg | 52,029 lb23,600 kg |
| Ballast | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 19,900 lb9,026 kg |
| Sail area | 761 ft²70.7 m² | 1,147 ft²106.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.73 | 13.17 |
| Displacement / Length | 257 | 295 |
| Comfort ratio | 30.6 | 47.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 1.70 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 8.8 |
Swan 39 vs Swan 55 Frers: the short version
- The Swan 55 Frers is the larger boat at 42.9 ft13.07 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Swan 39.
- The Swan 55 Frers is heavier, displacing about 189% 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 13.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 55 Frers scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 55 Frers rates better for offshore work (1.70 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.