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Swan 46
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Nautor  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Swan 46

Designed by German Frers and built by Finland's prestigious Nautor shipyard from 1983 to 1997, this elegant 47-footer represents the quintessential blend of performance cruising and refined aesthetics that made Swan yachts legendary. With 109 hulls launched during its 14-year production run, the Swan 46 established itself as a serious offshore cruiser capable of spirited sailing in all conditions. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and impressive windward ability, while the masthead sloop rig provides versatile sail handling options for both coastal and bluewater passages. At 31,300 pounds displacement with 11,400 pounds of ballast, she offers the stability and sea-kindly motion essential for extended offshore voyaging, yet remains nimble enough for competitive sailing. Frers' design philosophy shines through in the boat's balanced proportions and seaworthy hull form. The fiberglass construction meets Nautor's exacting standards, ensuring durability for decades of serious sailing. With a comfort ratio of 34.09, the Swan 46 strikes an ideal balance between performance and livability, making her equally suited for transoceanic passages or spirited coastal cruising. Her reputation for build quality and sailing characteristics has kept resale values strong among discerning sailors seeking a proven offshore platform.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 47.08 ft / 14.35 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.83 ft / 11.53 m
Beam 14.42 ft / 4.40 m
Max Draft 8.20 ft / 2.50 m
Displacement 31,300.00 lb / 14,197 kg
Ballast 11,400.00 lb / 5,171 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 978.00 ft² / 90.86 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Nautor
First Built 1983
Last Built 1997
Number Built 109
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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
 68
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
 15.82
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
 36.42
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
 258.1
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
 34.09
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
 1.83
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. 8.24 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
 1.99
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. 1,949.16 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. 15.82
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 58.07 ft / 17.70 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.70 ft / 5.70 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 51.50 ft / 15.70 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.90 ft / 5.15 m
SA Fore 542.95 ft² / 50.44 m²
SA Main 435.18 ft² / 40.43 m²
SA Total (100%) 978.13 ft² / 90.87 m²
Est. Forestay Length 61.01 ft / 18.60 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 99 gals / 375 L
Water Capacity 127 gals / 481 L
Find a Swan 46 For Sale
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