Swan 46 Mk III vs Swan 57
How do the Swan 46 Mk III and Swan 57 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Swan 46 Mk III 
Swan 57 | Swan 46 Mk III | Swan 57 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 46.6 ft14.20 m | 45.8 ft13.96 m |
| Waterline length | 39.6 ft12.06 m | 45.8 ft13.96 m |
| Beam | 14.0 ft4.26 m | 15.8 ft4.83 m |
| Draft | 7.2 ft2.20 m | 9.1 ft2.77 m |
| Displacement | 32,408 lb14,700 kg | 49,604 lb22,500 kg |
| Ballast | 12,125 lb5,500 kg | 18,900 lb8,573 kg |
| Sail area | 1,179 ft²109.5 m² | 1,885 ft²175.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.56 | 22.34 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 231 |
| Comfort ratio | 35.8 | 42.2 |
| Capsize screening | 1.75 | 1.73 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.4 | 9.1 |
Swan 46 Mk III vs Swan 57: the short version
- The Swan 46 Mk III is the larger boat at 46.6 ft14.20 m LOA versus 45.8 ft13.96 m for the Swan 57.
- The Swan 57 is heavier, displacing about 53% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 57 carries the more powerful rig (22.3 vs 18.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 57 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 57 rates better for offshore work (1.73 vs 1.75).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.