Design and Construction
The Swede 55’s length-to-beam ratio of 5.43 makes her slimmer than every comparable design in the reference set. Combined with a displacement-length ratio of 127, that narrow hull puts her in the “light racers” category. She carries less displacement than 86 percent of similar sailboats.
Her 9,036 pounds of lead ballast gives her a ballast ratio of 38 percent, higher than 62 percent of her peers. The fin keel came in more than one configuration: one lead fin draws about 6.43 to 6.73 feet, depending on load, while another draws about 6.99 to 7.29 feet. Both are deep enough to restrict the boat to major marinas.
The hull and deck are fiberglass. U.S. Coast Guard measurements list the Swede 55 at 14 gross tons and 12.5 net tons.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Swede 55 has a fractional sloop rig carrying 694 square feet of sail. Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 17.1 using the ISO reference sail and 19.7 with a 135 percent genoa. Those figures place her faster than 24 percent of similar designs in light wind.
Theoretical hull speed is 8.3 knots, while calculated maximum speed under power is about 5.5 knots. Wetted bottom surface is roughly 484 square feet, and the immersion rate is about 1,306 pounds per inch.
Period data records the running rigging in detail. The mainsheet is 131 feet at 5/8 inch; the genoa sheets are 52.5 feet at 5/8 inch. These specifications confirm a conventionally rigged sail plan handled manually, without powered assistance.
Accommodations and Machinery
Below, the Swede 55 has seven berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. Freshwater tankage is divided between 18.5 gallons for the galley and 43.6 gallons for the bathroom and deck shower.
A 19.5-gallon diesel tank serves either the original Volvo Penta MD11C two-cylinder 27 horsepower engine or the optional MD17C three-cylinder 35 horsepower engine. Both drive a Volvo Penta Saildrive 110 S.
The boat’s Motion Comfort Ratio is 28.8, making her more comfortable than 27 percent of similar designs. That points to a firm rather than plush motion, consistent with her classification as a light racer.
Known Issues and Ownership
The known constraints are operational rather than forensic. The deep fin-keel options limit access to major marinas, while the saildrive transmission on a boat built between 1975 and 1985 calls for inspection of its seals as it ages.
Ownership centers on a small, well-documented class of 35 boats. Data has been compiled over decades from the original Gamle Swede and other sisterships. The original engine options and saildrive remain the defining mechanical identifiers, while the detailed rig-dimension tables suggest a class marked by careful measurement rather than casual modification.
Verdict
The Swede 55 is a purposeful Reimers design: narrow, light, and ballasted for stiffness. She was built in small numbers and is supported by consistent documentation. She suits an owner who values a classic fractional rig and seakindly, if firm, motion—and who accepts deep draft and saildrive maintenance as part of the package.
Pros
- A 5.43 length-to-beam ratio, slimmer than every comparable design in the reference set
- A 38 percent ballast ratio, higher than 62 percent of her peers
- Class data documented over decades across 35 hulls
Cons
- Deep fin keel restricts access to major marinas
- Aging saildrive transmission requires seal inspection
- Motion Comfort Ratio exceeds that of only 27 percent of similar boats
