Swan 39 vs Swan 86
How do the Swan 39 and Swan 86 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 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 69.2 ft21.10 m |
| Waterline length | 31.5 ft9.60 m | 69.2 ft21.10 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 20.3 ft6.20 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 11.5 ft3.50 m |
| Displacement | 18,001 lb8,165 kg | 121,254 lb55,000 kg |
| Ballast | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 44,000 lb19,958 kg |
| Sail area | 761 ft²70.7 m² | 3,058 ft²284.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.73 | 19.97 |
| Displacement / Length | 257 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 30.6 | 49.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 1.64 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 11.1 |
Swan 39 vs Swan 86: the short version
- The Swan 86 is the larger boat at 69.2 ft21.10 m LOA versus 31.5 ft9.60 m for the Swan 39.
- The Swan 86 is heavier, displacing about 574% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 86 carries the more powerful rig (20.0 vs 17.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 86 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 86 rates better for offshore work (1.64 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.