Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.0 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 45.5′, the Swan 48 3 Frers tops out around 9.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √45.5′ LWL = 9.0 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
34.7%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
156
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
9.0kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
15lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Swan 48 3 Frers.
| Swan 48 3 Frers | Arcona 50 | Hanse 510 | Oceanis 51.1 Beneteau | Xc 50 | Xp 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 51.8 | 51.8 | 52.4 | 52.2 | 51.2 | 51.1 |
| LWL | 45.5 | 45.9 | 47.2 | 45.6 | 44.3 | 43.7 |
| Beam | 15.1 | 15.1 | 16.1 | 16.4 | 15.1 | 14.5 |
| Displacement | 33 | 30 | 36 | 39 | 35 | 29 |
| Ballast | 11 | 11 | — | 13 | 15 | 12 |
| Sail Area | — | 1,528 | 1,377 | 1,399 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 25.1 | 20.1 | 19.2 | 20.3 | 27.4 |
| Bal/Disp | 34.7 | 37.4 | — | 35.0 | 44.9 | 41.2 |
| Comfort | — | 26.8 | 28.5 | 30.8 | 31.8 | 28.6 |
| Capsize | — | 1.93 | 1.95 | 1.93 | 1.84 | 1.87 |
| Hull Speed | — | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 8.9 |