Swan 45 vs Swan 48 Frers
How do the Swan 45 and Swan 48 Frers compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 45 
Swan 48 Frers | Swan 45 | Swan 48 Frers | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 45.4 ft13.83 m | 41.0 ft12.50 m |
| Waterline length | 39.6 ft12.07 m | 41.0 ft12.50 m |
| Beam | 12.8 ft3.91 m | 14.2 ft4.32 m |
| Draft | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 7.8 ft2.38 m |
| Displacement | 21,716 lb9,850 kg | 31,526 lb14,300 kg |
| Ballast | 8,620 lb3,910 kg | 12,100 lb5,488 kg |
| Sail area | 1,411 ft²131.1 m² | 1,142 ft²106.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.00 | 18.31 |
| Displacement / Length | 156 | 204 |
| Comfort ratio | 27.1 | 34.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.84 | 1.79 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.4 | 8.6 |
Swan 45 vs Swan 48 Frers: the short version
- The Swan 45 is the larger boat at 45.4 ft13.83 m LOA versus 41.0 ft12.50 m for the Swan 48 Frers.
- The Swan 48 Frers is heavier, displacing about 45% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 45 carries the more powerful rig (29.0 vs 18.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 48 Frers scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 48 Frers rates better for offshore work (1.79 vs 1.84).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.