The Swan 59 is with a gentle bluewater motion, and competitive on the racecourse.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 48.2′, the Swan 59 tops out around 9.3 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √48.2′ LWL = 9.3 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
21s/nm
Performance racer — quick around the cans and offshore.
Ballast / Displacement
36.5%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
250
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Comfort Ratio
45.3
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Capsize Screening
1.66
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Hull Speed
9.3kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
45.3
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.66
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Swan 59 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Swan 61
Swan 59
Performance racer — quick around the cans and offshore.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Swan 59.
| Swan 59 | Baltic 58 | Little Harbor 58 | Nicholson 58 | Swan 57Cc Frers | Swan 61 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 58.7 | 58.5 | 58.0 | 57.6 | 57.0 | 60.5 |
| LWL | 48.2 | 47.6 | 47.8 | 46.9 | 42.9 | 48.2 |
| Beam | 16.4 | 16.6 | 16.2 | 15.6 | 15.0 | 16.4 |
| Displacement | 62 | 41 | 66 | 53 | 52 | 61 |
| Ballast | 22 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 20 |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 21 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| SA/Disp | — | 21.6 | — | 16.7 | 15.6 | 17.2 |
| Bal/Disp | 36.5 | 43.2 | — | — | 38.3 | — |
| Comfort | 45.3 | 30.3 | 49.3 | 42.2 | 46.4 | 43.8 |
| Capsize | 1.66 | 1.91 | 1.60 | 1.66 | 1.61 | 1.67 |
| Hull Speed | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 9.3 |