Swan 45 vs Swan 601
How do the Swan 45 and Swan 601 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 45 
Swan 601 | Swan 45 | Swan 601 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 45.4 ft13.83 m | 60.0 ft18.30 m |
| Waterline length | 39.6 ft12.07 m | 52.9 ft16.13 m |
| Beam | 12.8 ft3.91 m | 14.9 ft4.54 m |
| Draft | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 11.8 ft3.60 m |
| Displacement | 21,716 lb9,850 kg | 39,683 lb18,000 kg |
| Ballast | 8,620 lb3,910 kg | 18,700 lb8,482 kg |
| Sail area | 1,411 ft²131.1 m² | 2,380 ft²221.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.00 | 32.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 156 | 120 |
| Comfort ratio | 27.1 | 30.5 |
| Capsize screening | 1.84 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.4 | 9.7 |
Swan 45 vs Swan 601: the short version
- The Swan 601 is the larger boat at 60.0 ft18.30 m LOA versus 45.4 ft13.83 m for the Swan 45.
- The Swan 601 is heavier, displacing about 83% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 601 carries the more powerful rig (32.7 vs 29.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 601 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 601 rates better for offshore work (1.75 vs 1.84).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.