Swan 48, all the secrets of the newest “bestseller” signed Frers

What numbers for the brand-new Swan 48 on display for the first time at the Cannes Boat Show: 24 hulls sold, including many even before the 14.78-meter signed by German Frers, touched the water. A lot, for a boat that, ready to sail has a price tag of just under a million euros.

“Evolution, not revolution,” is the key to success according to the Argentine designer. The third-generation Swan 48 (the first 48′, from 1971, as well as one of the most iconic “swans,” was by Sparkman & Stephens, followed in 1995 by the one signed by Frers, 57 examples sold) is once again, first and foremost, a fine family cruiser, marine, elegant and safe.

The lines are the “traditional” ones but the beam is shifted slightly towards the stern, the special hull shape, combined with a well-designed sail plan, double rudders and a concentration of weights towards the center of the hull makes the boat give its best within a 20° slope. “If the boat is heeling more,” said Vanni Galgani, Swan’s product line leader, “it means you are doing something wrong.”

Equipment and tanks are low at the bottom of the hull and near the longitudinal center of buoyancy. The angle of positive stability is on the order of 120 degrees. The displacement reflects the quality of construction and equipment dedicated to providing maximum comfort on board.

THE COVER.
The deck lines, and particularly the design of the deckhouse represent the most important element of a boat in terms of aesthetics and character. Nautor has always paid close attention to this aspect, and the distinctive “wedge” deckhouse design has always been a hallmark of the brand since its introduction in 1971 with the original S&S-designed Swan 48.

The design of the new Swan 48 represents the latest evolution of this type of deckhouse, now resulting from a combination of soft curves and faceted surfaces but without losing a trace of the family feeling of its larger sisters, the Swan 65 and 78. The new deckhouse also features an unprecedented “eagle’s eye” profile that is reminiscent of that of a bird of prey.

The cockpit, well protected by deep stanchions running all the way around, is in full Swan style with a bow section dedicated to guests and fully protected by a sprayhood as well as a large bimini, a central section where all the on-board equipment can be housed including easy-access winches, and a stern area equipped with an opening beach.

To increase safety, the shipyard adopted a solution that allows the mainsail not to have to cross the cockpit, thus avoiding any possible accidents on board, thanks to the sheet passing through an ultra-strong metal bracket attached to the table.

The small beach can also be equipped with direct access to the garage for the tender. Other areas, such as the bow sundeck equipped with cushions and located away from the deckhouse, are dedicated to comfort.

THE INTERIOR.
The three-cabin layout has the master stateroom in the bow, obviously with a private bathroom, as well as a VIP located aft on the starboard side and a guest cabin on the opposite side on the port side. Both bathrooms, it must be said, are large and spacious, equipped with separate shower stalls. The main salon is a large open space positioned in the center of the boat and furnished with a horseshoe-shaped sofa.

The chart table on the starboard side is available in three different configurations: “flipper” (with the table that can be lowered to create a long sofa/bed), forward-facing with seat and storage compartment, or with table and sofa.

In terms of decorations and finishes, the new Swan 48 is available in three different styles proposed by our interior designer Misa Poggi: Swan Soul embodying the typical Swan style, Scandi Vision inspired by the Nordic style, and Velvet Vibe reflecting the atmosphere of the Mediterranean (this configuration was the one of the model we climbed on).

The kitchen offers great freedom of movement and is equipped with a household-sized refrigerator and plenty of storage volume. The soundproof engine room has good accessibility and includes a dedicated space for an optional generator set.

SAILING
The hull, as we said, has been optimized to offer its maximum performance at a 20-degree heel, so the yacht remains extremely comfortable in all weather conditions. The shallow draft of the double rudder blades and the modest draft of the T-keel facilitate access in shallow water areas and marinas.

THE SWAN 48–IN TWELVE SOLUTIONS

COVER
1. Dedicated sunbathing area on the deckhouse with recessed space for cushions
2. Large integrated sprayhood with recessed rigid housing
3. Standard 9 mm teak on the side decks, cockpit and foredeck, optional 6 mm on the deckhouse
4. Optional self-bailing mullet or jib.
5. Standard pull-out table for running, optional refrigerator compartment
6. Optional layout of the tender garage and optional accessories in the lazaret

INTERIOR
1. Standard European oak veneers based on interior style concepts.
2. All tanks under the walkway and in the middle of the boat.
3. Large kitchen with household-sized refrigerator and ample storage space
4. Alternative layout with two separate berths for the master cabin.
5. Three different configurations for the chart table: pinball, forward-facing with chair or sofa
6. Engine room with good accessibility and space for an optional generator set

WHAT WE LIKED ON BOARD

THE NUMBERS OF THE SWAN 48
LOA 14.78 m
LWL 13.88 m
Beam max 4.59 m
Draught (light) 2.40 m
Displacement (light) 15,000 kg
Ballast, standard keel 5,200 kg
Engine Volvo D2-75 Saildrive 55 kW 75 Hp

www.nautorswan.com