Home/ Boats/ Nautor/ Swan 50 Ss
Sailboat Specifications

Swan 50 Ss

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Sparkman & Stephens · Built by Nautor · First built 1971

+ Add to Compare
LOA 50.17 ft  ·  Beam 13.60 ft  ·  Displacement 36,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 1,032.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Swan 50 Ss Sailboat

Designed by the legendary Sparkman & Stephens and built by Finland's prestigious Nautor yard from 1971 to 1975, this elegant 50-footer represents the golden era of Swan yachts when racing performance and cruising comfort were seamlessly blended. The Swan 50 SS earned its reputation as one of the most successful ocean racing yachts of the 1970s, with numerous victories in major offshore events including the Admiral's Cup and Sydney-Hobart races. At 50.17 feet overall with a waterline length of 37.28 feet, the design features classic proportions with a moderate beam of 13.60 feet and substantial 7.74-foot draft. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides excellent directional stability while maintaining good performance characteristics. With 36,000 pounds of displacement and 14,100 pounds of ballast, she offers the structural integrity and stability demanded for serious offshore sailing. The masthead sloop rig carries 1,032 square feet of sail area, delivering spirited performance with a theoretical hull speed of 8.18 knots. Her comfort ratio of 41.83 indicates a relatively stiff, seakindly motion ideal for extended offshore passages. Today, these well-built classics remain highly sought after by sailors seeking a proven bluewater cruiser with racing pedigree and timeless Swan elegance.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 50.17 ft / 15.29 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.28 ft / 11.36 m
Beam 13.60 ft / 4.15 m
Max Draft 7.74 ft / 2.36 m
Displacement 36,000.00 lb / 16,329 kg
Ballast 14,100.00 lb / 6,396 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,032.00 ft² / 95.88 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Nautor
First Built 1971
Last Built 1975
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD21A
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 61
Fuel Capacity 57 gals / 216 L
Water Capacity 88 gals / 333 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Swan 50 Ss's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Swan 50 Ss has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.21. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Swan 50 Ss's comfort ratio?

The Swan 50 Ss has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 41.83. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Swan 50 Ss safe for offshore sailing?

The Swan 50 Ss has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.65. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Swan 50 Ss?

The theoretical hull speed of the Swan 50 Ss is 8.18 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Swan 50 Ss weigh?

The Swan 50 Ss has a displacement of 36,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 50.17 ft.

Who designed the Swan 50 Ss?

The Swan 50 Ss was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1971.