Perry Design Review: Swan 36

This design is from German Frers. Freeboard is lower than previous Swans, but the general look of the hull still owes a lot to race boat heritage. I am sure that Frers has in mind competitiveness under the IMS with this design. The keel has curved leading and trailing edges as does the balanced-spade rudder. The transom features the double radius treatment that Frers has used so often. This knocks the corners off the transom and gives it a very shapely look. Beam-wise, the Swan 36 has plenty of it at 11.98 inches, but this will give stability, deck space and useable interior volume. Draft is 6 feet, 9 inches, but I would not be surprised to see a reduced draft model available soon. The D/L ratio of this design is 214. Note the high bootstripe.

The Swan 36, also known as "The Baby Swan."

When you look at the sail plan you should notice the subtle interplay between sheerline, cove stripe and the double bootstripe. I would guess that Frers has drawn the bootstripe at least eight inches above the DWL. This all works together to accentuate and lower the freeboard. The sheer spring is subtle and beautiful. Few designers have as good an eye for a sheer as does Frers. The cabintrunk is interesting in that it fairs to a knuckle forward of the mast. This maximizes interior volume and headroom while keeping deck space.

This model shows a more conventional cockpit design with a low bridgedeck. The cockpit coamings don't appear wide enough to sit on comfortably. The traveler is right in front of the wheel. There is no provision in these drawings for a tiller option.

The rig is a tall sloop with runners, baby stay and two sets of spreaders. The chainplates are tucked in on the 12.5-degree line. The mast appears to be exactly on station 4. The sail area to displacement ratio is 18.44. Note the headstay is pulled aft of the stem about 10 inches. All halyards are led aft to two winches, one each side of the companionway.

This interior layout is basic, with a French style quarter-berth tucked behind the engine box. The icebox has been reduced in size, but this is not an offshore cruiser. The edge of the table leaves seems a long way from the edge of the settees. The chart table is small and features a swing-out stool. Note the double access to the head.

Boat Specifications

LOA	36.61'
LWL	29.72'
Beam	11.98'
Draft	6.9'
Displacement	12,600 lbs.
Ballast	5600 lbs.
Sail Area	624 sq. ft.
SA/D ratio	18.44
D/L ratio	214
Auxiliary	Volvo 2003R
Fuel	31 gals.
Water	63 gals.