Swan 47 S&S Information, Review, Specs

The Swan 47 S&S (Sparkman & Stephens design #2201) was in production from 1975 to 1984, with 70 hulls built during this period. This model emerged during a golden era for Nautor's Swan, an era heavily defined by its fruitful partnership with Sparkman & Stephens. Pekka Koskenkyla, Nautor's founder, envisioned combining Finnish boat-building traditions with modern materials like fiberglass, a commitment that the Swan 47 exemplifies through its solid fiberglass hull and deck construction.

Sparkman & Stephens were renowned for designing yachts that blended performance with seaworthiness, and the Swan 47 perfectly reflects this philosophy. Owners describe S&S Swans as "Rolls-Royces of the sea," known for their robust build and seaworthy characteristics. The design emphasizes powerful lines, with a "wedge deck" profile and substantial rigging designed to handle challenging conditions.

During its production run, a notable variant of the Swan 47 emerged. A slightly later iteration, featuring a keel/centerboard configuration and sometimes referred to as the Swan 47-2 or the NYYC 48, was built for members of the New York Yacht Club. These centerboard versions typically featured a Mk. II interior, which often translated to a larger saloon and a slightly smaller aft cabin compared to earlier models, as well as an aft entrance. These modifications further enhanced the yacht's versatility and appeal to a broader range of sailors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swan 47 S&S is recognized for its capable sailing performance and solid handling characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.64, she possesses a respectable amount of sail power for a yacht of her displacement. This suggests that while she might not be a pure light-air flyer, she will perform competently in moderate to fresh breezes and offer a comfortable motion without being overly tender.

Her Ballast to Displacement ratio is remarkably high at roughly 47.8%, indicating exceptional stability and stiffness. This significant amount of lead ballast positioned deep within her fin keel allows the Swan 47 to stand up well to a blow, resist heeling, and maintain a powerful sail plan even in strong winds, making her a very capable offshore vessel.

The Displacement to Length ratio, at approximately 304.4, places the Swan 47 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser rather than a light-displacement racer. This heavier displacement contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, helping her to punch through waves rather than slam over them. Owners frequently praise the Swan 47 for its seaworthiness and solid feel under sail. Her skeg-hung rudder provides excellent directional stability and protection for the rudder post, which is a desirable feature for extended cruising. The robust spar section and rigging further underline her suitability for serious sailing, ensuring reliability even in demanding conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom data for the Swan 47 S&S is not readily available in the structured data, online resources and owner discussions consistently highlight the yacht's well-appointed and practical interior. The interior layouts typically feature a classic cruising arrangement designed for comfort and extended living aboard. Earlier versions might have slightly different arrangements compared to later Mk. II interiors, which are noted for a larger saloon and a slightly smaller aft cabin.

Common interior configurations include a comfortable V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees (often converting to berths), and a substantial dining table. The galley is typically well-equipped for offshore cooking, often located along one side of the main saloon or slightly aft, offering good bracing points. A navigation station is a standard feature, usually situated opposite the galley or near the companionway. Aft, one or two quarter berths or a dedicated aft cabin can be found, depending on the specific layout.

Nautor's Swan yachts of this era are known for their high-quality joinery, often featuring extensive use of beautiful teak or other hardwoods, contributing to a warm and traditional ambiance. Storage is generally ample, with numerous lockers, drawers, and compartments throughout the boat, essential for offshore cruising. Ventilation is typically achieved through opening hatches and ports, providing airflow when at anchor. The overall finish quality is consistently praised by owners, reflecting Nautor's reputation for luxury and attention to detail.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Swan 47 S&S consistently commend the yacht for its exceptional build quality and robust construction. Many describe the boat as powerful, seaworthy, and extremely well-suited for offshore passages, reiterating that the limit in sailing is often not the age of the hull. The solid fiberglass hull and substantial rigging are frequently cited as key strengths, providing a sense of security and reliability.

However, as with any classic yacht, the Swan 47 can present certain common maintenance challenges typical of vessels of its age. Owners on forums discuss issues such as potential cracks at the front and rear of the keel joint, though these are sometimes described as "typical well-known" S&S Swan characteristics. Routine maintenance items like toe rail replacement and attention to rudder post stuffing are also discussed, emphasizing the need for ongoing care for an older vessel. Some cruisers might find the bridge deck/cockpit arrangement somewhat awkward, but this is often seen as a minor trade-off for the boat's excellent sailing characteristics. The reliability of the Volvo Penta MD21 engine, a common installation, is also a frequent topic of discussion among owners, requiring diligent maintenance. Despite these considerations, the collective viewpoint suggests that the Swan 47 S&S remains a highly regarded and capable yacht, beloved by those who value classic design, robust construction, and formidable sailing performance.