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Swan 37
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Nautor  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Swan 37

Designed by the legendary Sparkman & Stephens and built by Finland's prestigious Nautor yard, this classic 36.50-foot sloop represents the early evolution of the Swan lineage that would become synonymous with elegant performance cruising. Produced from 1970 to 1974 with just 59 hulls completed, the Swan 37 established many of the design principles that would define the marque for decades. The masthead sloop rig with 598 square feet of sail area and moderate displacement of 15,400 pounds creates a well-balanced platform equally suited for spirited coastal sailing and comfortable cruising. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining directional stability, particularly valuable for offshore passages. With nearly half her displacement (7,300 pounds) carried as ballast, she offers reassuring stability in challenging conditions. The fiberglass construction displays Nautor's renowned build quality, while the S&S design delivers the timeless aesthetic and seaworthy characteristics that made Swan's reputation. Her 33.86 comfort ratio suggests good motion at sea, while the 1.72 capsize screening value indicates solid stability for extended cruising. This early Swan appeals to sailors seeking classic yacht character with proven offshore capability, representing an accessible entry into the distinguished Swan fleet.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.50 ft / 11.13 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.25 ft / 8.31 m
Beam 10.67 ft / 3.25 m
Max Draft 6.10 ft / 1.86 m
Displacement 15,400.00 lb / 6,985 kg
Ballast 7,300.00 lb / 3,311 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 598.00 ft² / 55.56 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Nautor
First Built 1970
Last Built 1974
Number Built 59
Associations One Ton Class
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 125
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.51
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 47.4
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 339.76
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 33.86
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.72
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.00 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.37
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,038.91 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.51
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 46.25 ft / 14.10 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.60 ft / 4.75 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.50 ft / 12.34 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.70 ft / 3.57 m
SA Fore 360.75 ft² / 33.51 m²
SA Main 236.93 ft² / 22.01 m²
SA Total (100%) 597.68 ft² / 55.53 m²
Est. Forestay Length 48.81 ft / 14.88 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD2B
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 25
Fuel Capacity 26 gals / 98 L
Water Capacity 48 gals / 182 L
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