The Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 vs Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 at 42,7 ft versus Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 at 45,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 tips the scales at 23 920 lbs — 7 936 lbs less than the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 at 15 984 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 carries a rated maximum of 39 hp. Engine data for the Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 carries 56 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 13 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 displaces 23 920 lbs — a 7 936-lb difference over the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 at 15 984 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 draws 9,2 ft, compared to 8,1 ft for the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006. That 1,1-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
Helm style differs too: the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 uses a 2 wheels versus a 1 wheel on the Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 has a documented auxiliary engine of 39 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 8,4 knots for the Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 and 8,4 knots for the Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006.
Bottom line: The Nautor Swan Swan 45 2001 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 23 920 lbs displacement and 46 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Nautor Swan NYYC 42 2006 at 15 984 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.