Swan 391 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Swan 391 lies within a pivotal period for Nautor's Swan, marking the apex of its cruiser-racer era. Introduced in 1981, the 391 was designed by Ron Holland, a highly respected New Zealander who collaborated with Nautor's Swan between 1978 and 1981. G1, G3 (from builder article) Holland's influence during this time was instrumental in evolving the brand's performance credentials, and the Swan 391 was a direct descendant of his successful racing design, Imp. Nautor's commitment to excellence, which began with Pekka Koskenkyla's vision to produce high-quality, high-performance yachts using modern materials like fiberglass, was evident in the construction of the 391. G1, G8, G11 (from builder article)

The Swan 391 incorporated an improved Ron Holland-designed bulb keel, which enhanced its performance. While the standard model features a fin keel and spade rudder, there was also a shallow draft option with a 5'9" Scheel keel, making it suitable for sailing in areas like the East Coast US and the Bahamas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swan 391 is celebrated for its balanced design and exhilarating sailing performance, embodying the "cruiser-racer" ethos. With a reported sail area of 767 square feet and a displacement of 18,900 pounds, the Sail Area to Displacement ratio calculates to approximately 17.3. This figure suggests a boat that is neither excessively powered for light air nor under-canvassed in moderate conditions, indicating good all-around performance potential. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 36% (6,800 lbs of lead ballast in 18,900 lbs displacement) points to a reasonably stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a decent breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its Displacement to Length ratio, at approximately 233, places it firmly in the cruiser-racer category—lighter than a heavy displacement cruiser but more substantial than a pure racing machine.

Owners consistently praise the 391 as a "dream to sail," highlighting its seaworthiness and speed. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration contribute to splendid maneuverability, a characteristic common to this keel type. The masthead sloop rig provides a generous sail plan, further enhancing its performance capabilities. The boat is described as powerful, and examples equipped with modern, lighter carbon sails and oversized winches are particularly well-suited to handle this power, making single-handed sailing easier due to the strategic placement of self-tailing winches aft.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Swan 391 is typical of Nautor's Swan yachts from its era, featuring a beautifully crafted teak finish that exudes luxury and quality. The layout is characterized by a seven-step companionway ladder leading from the deck to the saloon floor, positioned above a large bridge deck, which contributes to abundant interior volume.

The standard configuration typically includes a spacious aft cabin. This owner's cabin often features a double berth to port and a single berth to starboard, allowing for comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to three people. Overall, the boat is equipped with up to eight berths, indicating ample sleeping capacity. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the generous interior volume created by the layout suggests comfortable living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Swan 391 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, often adoring the boat. They frequently commend its solid construction, seaworthiness, and spirited sailing performance. The 391's ability to perform exceptionally well on race courses while also providing comfort for cruising is a recurring theme in owner reviews. The design by Ron Holland, blending sleek lines with robust construction, contributes to its enduring appeal. The high-quality Nautor Swan build, particularly the hand-crafted teak interior, is consistently highlighted as a significant strength. The ease of handling, even for single-handing, due to well-placed winches, is also a noted positive.