Swan 40 vs Swan 46 Mk I
How do the Swan 40 and Swan 46 Mk I compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 40 
Swan 46 Mk I | Swan 40 | Swan 46 Mk I | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.3 ft11.98 m | 37.9 ft11.55 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.70 m | 37.9 ft11.55 m |
| Beam | 10.8 ft3.30 m | 14.5 ft4.41 m |
| Draft | 6.7 ft2.05 m | 8.2 ft2.50 m |
| Displacement | 18,960 lb8,600 kg | 31,306 lb14,200 kg |
| Ballast | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 11,400 lb5,171 kg |
| Sail area | 709 ft²65.9 m² | 978 ft²90.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.95 | 15.75 |
| Displacement / Length | 364 | 257 |
| Comfort ratio | 38.6 | 36.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.62 | 1.84 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 8.2 |
Swan 40 vs Swan 46 Mk I: the short version
- The Swan 40 is the larger boat at 39.3 ft11.98 m LOA versus 37.9 ft11.55 m for the Swan 46 Mk I.
- The Swan 46 Mk I is heavier, displacing about 65% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 40 carries the more powerful rig (16.0 vs 15.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 40 rates better for offshore work (1.62 vs 1.84).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.