Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 32.4′, the Swan 40 Frers tops out around 7.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √32.4′ LWL = 7.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
36.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
254
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
7.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
9lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Swan 40 Frers sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
J/122
Scanmar 40
Tartan 40
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Swan 40 Frers.
| Swan 40 Frers | Frers 40 Holby | J/122 | Sabre 402 | Scanmar 40 | Tartan 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 40.3 | 40.1 | 40.1 | 40.2 | 40.2 | 40.3 |
| LWL | 32.4 | 32.5 | 34.0 | 34.0 | 34.2 | 31.6 |
| Beam | 12.9 | 12.5 | 12.8 | 13.3 | 12.6 | 12.7 |
| Displacement | 19 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 16 | 17 |
| Ballast | 6 | — | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Sail Area | — | 745 | 780 | — | 773 | 727 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 33 | — | 102 | 105 |
| SA/Disp | — | 20.1 | 19.2 | — | 19.1 | 17.5 |
| Bal/Disp | 36.0 | — | 42.8 | 38.8 | 46.7 | — |
| Comfort | — | 22.3 | 28.7 | — | 24.3 | 26.4 |
| Capsize | — | 2.06 | 1.59 | — | 1.99 | 1.97 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.6 | 9.6 | — | 7.8 | 7.5 |