Swede 55 Information, Review, Specs

The Swede 55 was introduced to the market in 1975, with production continuing until 1985. During this decade, a total of 35 hulls were built, with Fisksätra Shipyard responsible for 27 of these between 1975 and 1979. The design brief for the Swede 55 was heavily influenced by the traditional Swedish Skärgårdskryssare, or Skerry Cruiser, class, known for their elongated, narrow hulls and elegant overhangs. Knud Reimers, celebrated for his talent in creating fast and balanced yachts, sought to integrate this classic elegance with modern performance characteristics, resulting in a boat that offers the "elegance of a swept shear and long overhangs" combined with the performance capabilities of a more contemporary design.

Fiskars, while more broadly recognized for its extensive history in metal manufacturing and later for its successful Buster line of aluminum powerboats, also ventured into building other marine craft, including sailboats constructed from fiberglass. This diversified approach allowed for the production of models like the Swede 55, benefiting from Fiskars' general ethos of "functional design and quality construction". Over its production run, later Swede 55 boats saw various updates and modifications to their rudder, keel, and rig configurations, indicating a continuous effort to refine the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swede 55's design translates directly into its sailing characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.97, she exhibits moderate performance in lighter winds, suggesting that while she won't be the first to plane, she is capable of moving well even when the breeze is gentle. Her impressive ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.54, with a significant 9036 pounds of lead ballast in a 16640-pound displacement, points to exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling. This high ballast ratio contributes significantly to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 280.6 places her on the heavier side of moderate, suggesting a solid, capable cruiser rather than an ultralight racer. Despite this, owners consistently praise the Swede 55 for being "very fast and points extremely high upwind," noting its excellent balance and ease of handling. The boat is described as a "slender and sensitive boat," which suggests it responds well to fine-tuning and trim, rewarding a skilled helmsman. This combination of speed, balance, and stability allows the Swede 55 to "shine as a day-sailor, racer or cruiser," performing admirably in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Swede 55's interior layout, for a vessel of its length overall of 53 feet, typically features a well-appointed and comfortable arrangement, though specific details can vary between individual boats due to customization and refits. Drawing on the classic Scandinavian design principles, the interior often emphasizes practical elegance and efficient use of space.

While the exact maximum headroom is not consistently documented across all specifications, the design typically allows for comfortable standing room in key areas. The joinery work is frequently crafted from natural teak, contributing to an attractive and traditional marine aesthetic. A common layout includes a V-berth forward, a functional head compartment, a central salon with settees that often convert into berths, a galley designed for offshore use, and usually one or two quarter berths aft. Storage is typically ample, designed to accommodate the needs of long-distance cruising, and ventilation is provided through deck hatches and portlights. The interior is generally regarded as well-finished and designed for both comfort and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Swede 55 frequently laud its solid construction, elegant aesthetics, and remarkable sailing performance. Many describe it as a "wonderful boat, very fast and points extremely high upwind," highlighting its competitive capabilities in a racing context while also appreciating its comfort for cruising. The boat's balance and ease of handling are commonly cited strengths, making it a joy to sail in various conditions. The Swede 55 is often considered a versatile vessel, capable of excelling as a "day-sailor, racer or cruiser".

However, some owner perspectives touch upon specific considerations. Given the design's emphasis on a "slender and sensitive" hull, owners note that adding excessive weight can significantly impact its performance. This implies a need for mindful outfitting, as heavy additions like extensive teak decking or extra batteries for powered systems, while tempting for cruising comfort, can detract from the boat's inherent responsiveness. Prospective and current owners are often advised to consider these factors to maintain the Swede 55's acclaimed sailing characteristics. The initial variations in rudder, keel, and rig configurations also suggest that some owners might have upgraded or modified these elements over time to optimize performance or address specific needs.