Swan 43 (S&S) Information, Review, Specs

The journey of the Swan 43 began in 1967, with its production extending through 1982, during a pivotal era for Nautor's Swan. Sparkman & Stephens, the esteemed American naval architecture firm, designed the Swan 43 (S&S design #1973) with a dual purpose: to excel under both the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Cruising Club of America (CCA) rules, reflecting the competitive spirit of the time. This design philosophy aimed to create a yacht that was not only fast on the racecourse but also inherently stable and comfortable for offshore cruising. Nautor's Swan, founded in 1966, embraced modern fiberglass construction methods, blending them with traditional Finnish boat-building craftsmanship to ensure consistent quality and robust hulls.

During its production run, the Swan 43 also saw a variant marketed in the United States as the Palmer Johnson 43, indicating its appeal across different markets. Notably, the original design often featured an adjustable trim tab, a sophisticated performance-enhancing detail for its era. The unwavering focus on quality by Nautor's Swan during this period ensured that each Swan 43 hull was built to demanding standards, reflecting the brand's growing prestige.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swan 43's design ratios reveal a vessel engineered for both performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.86, she exhibits good all-around performance, capable of moving well in light to moderate air without being overly sensitive. Her ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 0.52, indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze and maintain a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of around 297 suggests a heavier, more traditional cruising yacht, contributing to her solid feel and seakindly motion offshore.

Owners and enthusiasts consistently praise the Swan 43 for its rewarding sailing characteristics, making it suitable for both competitive racing and comfortable cruising. These vessels are described as safe, reliable, and possessing excellent sailing capabilities, with many still actively raced and cruised today. The robust nature of the Swan 43 is highlighted by accounts of these boats successfully navigating extremely heavy weather. While capable of being sailed two-handed, older boats might require significant effort for sail handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the S&S Swan 43 is renowned for its classic elegance and functional design, typically finished with rich teak joinery. Owners frequently commend the meticulous craftsmanship and the thoughtful use of space, providing ample storage and effective ventilation throughout the cabins. While specific layouts could vary slightly, the general arrangement typically includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a spacious main salon, a functional galley, and often quarter berths aft. Many owners undertake painstaking refits to restore interiors to their original, timeless design, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the boat's classic aesthetic. The cockpit is designed to be spacious and comfortable, offering a secure environment for both sailing and relaxation at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Swan 43 consistently speak highly of their yachts, praising their solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway. The enduring sailing performance, suitable for both racing and cruising, is a frequently cited strength. Furthermore, the Nautor's Swan factory has historically provided excellent support for technical issues, offering access to original drawings and valuable recommendations for owners. One long-term owner noted that, in their experience, there are "no real issues at all with the 43s," highlighting the boat's inherent robustness.

However, like many fiberglass yachts of its vintage, some older Swan 43s have experienced osmosis problems, which, while fixable, can be an expensive and time-consuming repair. General water intrusion due to aging deck fittings is another common concern for older vessels that may require re-bedding. Additionally, some owners have noted that the original propeller diameter might be too small, leading to insufficient blade area. Despite these potential considerations, the strong community and factory support contribute to the Swan 43's reputation as a highly desirable and maintainable classic yacht.