Difference in hull 37/40

Hello, as a former owner of a SS construction the IW 31(She 31) I am looking for  36-40 foot boat and on top of my list is the Swan 37 and Swan 40. I have sailed some different boats 32-44 feet but only when I rented a Swan 43 at the Canary Islands I knew what I wanted. It was not in perfect condition in any way but it felt really solid and that is what matters the most to me.

From the deck drawings on this site the 37 seems to be more diamond shaped while the 40 is more cigarr like. Is there any difference in sailing/handling between the two and is there any other reason why one should choose either the 37 or the 40?  

Peter

I think the 37 is a great boat. It was designed when S&S were at the peak of their success to win the "one ton cup". A version built in New Zealand called Rainbow did win it. Built by Swan they were quite heavy, very strong and great upwind boats. Due to their weight they would be a bit slow in very light wind and some of later ones were fitted with a taller double spreader rig. I found the rudder a bit small and apparently S&S thought that to win the one ton cup you had to get up the windward leg first and the boat was designed to do just that. It was the only boat that I've owned that went faster as the weather help increased.
I don't know the 40 so well, but it was a more moderate cruiser racer.

Gavin

Peter

The most successful 37 is likely to be #016 Tarantella, see www.tarantella.fi

She is still doing well against the newer yachts.

Lars

Hi Peter,

what you really need is someone who has sailed both. I have never sailed a 37 nor been on one so can't say a thing. I am very happy with my 40. They have been successful racing but is this what you are going to do? Have you looked at both?

cheers
Mike