1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51
$129,000
Boat in Ventura, CA US
Built in 1982
Swan 51
1 Engine (Perkins)
51 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
1982 NAUTOR SWAN 51 High-Performance Bluewater Cruiser · Swan World Cup Winning Design · Good Condition to Build Upon
THE VESSEL
The magnificent 1982 Nautor Swan 51 is one of the most respected bluewater cruising and racing sailboat designs ever built. A Swan World Cup winning model with an undeniable racing pedigree, the Swan 51s are equally at home on extended offshore passages as she is hosting family and friends at the dock or on anchor. Designed by the legendary Germán Frers and built by Finland's Nautor Swan, widely considered the finest production sailboat builder in the world, this vessel represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of sailing history in good condition. Overall, the boat does show some wear and tear that is common for its age (see pictures). In general, this boat is priced right for what it is, a legendary build foundation for the next owner to build upon to make it a great boat.
KEY FEATURES
Easy to sail and very comfortable offshore, this Swan 51 is as relevant today as she was when she first left the Nautor yard. The interior space is huge and the wood is beautiful. She is a bluewater passage vessel that is great not just for extended cruising, but also a fantastic day sailing vessel. It's large interior layout makes this Swan 51 a serious liveaboard candidate.
MECHANICAL CONDITION
Propulsion is provided by a Perkins M90 90 HP diesel engine, one of the most trusted and reliable marine diesels ever produced. Perkins diesels are legendary in the marine world for their simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance. This engine has been well maintained throughout its 4,400 hours of service and starts instantly without pre-heat, a strong indicator of good mechanical condition.
RECENT MAINTENANCE
* Last haul out: October 2025, fresh bottom paint
* Last survey: 2020
* Engine: Perkins M90, 90 HP, 4,400 hours, well maintained, instant start
* Parts and extras: Comes with a well-rounded sail inventory, extra lines, and an extensive inventory of spare parts
* Vessel detailed: March 2026
ACCOMMODATIONS & LAYOUT
The Swan 51 offers generous and well-thought-out accommodations for extended cruising and liveaboard use.
Salon
The main salon is a very large, open, single-level living and dining space featuring a full galley, large port-side straight couch, large starboard-side U-shape couch surrounds a beautiful high-gloss teakwood dining table, and a dedicated navigation station. It is bright, comfortable, and well-suited for both passage-making and entertaining at anchor or at the dock.
Galley
* Full-size refrigerator
* Large double sink
* Gimbal oven with gas stovetop
* Microwave
* Large countertops with ample storage and drawers throughout
* Fresh water making system
Navigation Station
* B&G Hercules electronics suite
* Chartplotter
* Autopilot
* Depth sounder
* Furuno radar
Forward Accommodations
* Two bunks to port
* Separate two-bunk cabin to starboard
* Large forward head with new Raritan electric head and modern controller switch
Aft Master Cabin
* Large full-beam aft master cabin
* Master berth and separate mates berth
* Full private head with original Baby Blake hand-pump head retained for offshore reliability
A note on the heads: The forward head has been upgraded to a modern Raritan electric unit with a contemporary controller for everyday comfort and ease of use. The aft head retains the original Baby Blake manual pump head - a deliberate choice because the Baby Blake is legendary among offshore sailors for its bulletproof mechanical simplicity. Should an electric head ever fail at sea, the Baby Blake requires no electricity, no electronics, and no special tools - just a hand pump.
COCKPIT & DECK
The large exterior sailing cockpit offers excellent visibility in all directions and is one of the finest features of the Swan 51. It is a spacious, comfortable, and well-protected space that works equally well for focused offshore sailing, relaxed daysailing, and entertaining family and friends at anchor or at the dock. The teak decks throughout are a hallmark of the Swan build quality.
SPECIFICATIONS & EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
TANKAGE
* Fuel: 100 gallons (two tanks)
* Water: 200 gallons (multiple integrated hull tanks)
* Holding: approx. 20 gallons
HULL & BUILD QUALITY
* Hand-laid fiberglass hull, thick and rigid construction
* Deep bilge, solid keel - optimized for offshore stability and performance
* Integrated hull water tank system - preserves full structural integrity of hull ribs
* Teak decks throughout, some teak planks are in need of replacement
* original Swan craftsmanship
* Warm teak and holly interior joinery throughout
PERFORMANCE & DESIGN
* Swan World Cup winning design
* Designed by Germán Frers - one of sailing's most celebrated naval architects
* Built by Nautor Swan, Finland - widely regarded as the world's finest production sailboat builder
* High-performance bluewater cruiser with proven racing pedigree - Fast, well-balanced, and easy to sail
* Three-blade folding propeller that folds flush when sailing for minimal drag
ENGINE
* Perkins M90 90 HP diesel known for legendary reliability
* 4,400 hours, well maintained, instant start, no pre-heat required
SAILS & DECK GEAR
* Well-rounded sail inventory included
* Extra lines included
* Extensive spare parts inventory included
CONDITION SUMMARY Good, but some wear and tear evident for its age
* Fresh bottom paint - October 2025 haul-out
* Full vessel detail - March 2026
* New Raritan forward head and controller - spring 2025
* Engine well maintained - 4,400 hours, instant start
* Well-rounded sail inventory, extra lines, and spare parts included
* Water maker aboard
* Two fuel tanks for redundancy
* Baby Blake aft head retained for bulletproof offshore reliability
PERFORMANCE & SAILING
The Swan 51 design is a proven high-performance bluewater cruiser with a distinguished racing record for the brand, including the Swan World Cup. The Swan 51 is known throughout the sailing community for being fast, well-balanced, and easy to sail - a rare combination that makes her equally suited to short-handed offshore passages and fully-crewed racing. Her folding three-blade propeller retracts cleanly when sailing, reducing drag to an absolute minimum and delivering performance closer to a dedicated racing yacht than a typical cruising sailboat.
BUILD QUALITY & CONSTRUCTION
Nautor Swan built the Swan 51 using a robust, hand-laid fiberglass hull with a solid keel construction and deep bilge design optimized for offshore stability and performance. The hull laminate is thick, rigid, and exceptionally well engineered, built to handle sustained bluewater passage-making in demanding conditions. The hull form is designed for a combination of upwind efficiency and downwind stability, making her fast, balanced, and confidence-inspiring in all points of sail.
The teak decks are a hallmark of Swan craftsmanship - laid with care and precision, they provide both beauty and excellent non-slip footing underway. Below decks, the interior joinery is finished in the warm, traditional teak and holly that Swan is famous for, crafted to a standard that simply cannot be found in modern production boats. Storage throughout the vessel is thoughtfully and smartly designed, making excellent use of every cubic foot of the hull.
A particularly noteworthy design feature of this vessel is the integrated water tank system. Rather than cutting through hull ribs to install a single large tank which would compromise the structural integrity of the hull, the designer placed multiple water tanks between the hull ribs and connected them together. This preserves the full stiffness and integrity of the hull while providing 200 gallons of water capacity. It is a uniquely elegant engineering solution that speaks directly to the Swan philosophy of building boats right, not just building them fast.
DESIGNER & BUILDER HERITAGE
Germán Frers is one of the most celebrated naval architects in sailing history. Born in Argentina and trained under his father, also a distinguished yacht designer, Frers built his international reputation designing grand prix ocean racers and high-performance cruising yachts for some of the world's most prestigious builders. His designs are known for their perfect balance of speed, seakeeping, and comfort - blending racing performance with blue-water capability in a way few designers have matched. The Swan 51 is widely regarded as one of his most successful and enduring designs.
Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland, by Pekka Koskenkyla. From the very beginning, the company set out to build the finest offshore sailing yachts in the world - and by most measures, they succeeded. Swan yachts are hand-built to exacting standards, using the highest quality materials, and are renowned throughout the sailing world for their structural integrity, fit and finish, and long-term durability. Decades after they left the yard, Swan hulls remain among the most sought-after vessels on the brokerage market, a testament to the quality of their construction.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/11/26 | Initial price | $129,000 |
1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51
Customers have consistently praised the 1982 Nautor Swan 51 for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance on the water
Many owners highlight the yacht's robust construction, which is a hallmark of Nautor Swan, ensuring durability and sea-worthiness that instills confidence during both coastal cruising and offshore adventures. Sailors appreciate the balanced handling and responsiveness of the Swan 51, noting its capability to perform well under various wind conditions. The spacious cockpit and well-designed deck layout contribute to comfortable sailing experiences, making it ideal for both leisurely outings and spirited races. Inside, the interior layout is often celebrated for its elegance and functionality. Owners commend the use of high-quality materials and thoughtful design, which create a warm and inviting atmosphere below deck. The ample living space, equipped with modern amenities, provides a perfect retreat after a day of sailing. In summary, the 1982 Nautor Swan 51 receives high marks for its blend of performance, quality craftsmanship, and comfort, making it a beloved choice among sailing enthusiasts.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The Nautor Swan Swan 51, launched in 1982, is a classic sailing yacht known for its blend of performance, elegance, and comfort. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Quality Craftsmanship: Nautor Swan yachts are renowned for their build quality. The Swan 51 showcases exceptional craftsmanship with attention to detail, resulting in a durable and reliable vessel.
Performance: With its well-designed hull shape, the Swan 51 delivers excellent sailing performance, making it suitable for both cruising and competitive racing.
Spacious Interior: The interior layout offers generous living space, including a comfortable saloon, well-equipped galley, and multiple cabins, which is perfect for family cruising or entertaining guests.
Elegant Design: The Swan 51 features classic lines and a timeless aesthetic that exudes sophistication both on the water and at the dock.
Strong Resale Value: Nautor Swan yachts hold their value exceptionally well over time, making them a sound investment for sailing enthusiasts.
Good Seaworthiness: Designed for ocean voyages, the Swan 51 is built to handle rough conditions, providing peace of mind for long passages.
Cons
Maintenance Costs: Due to its high-quality construction and systems, maintaining a Swan 51 can be expensive, especially as the boat ages.
Older Technology: Being a vessel from 1982, some systems and equipment may be outdated, potentially requiring upgrades for modern amenities or performance enhancements.
Limited Availability of Parts: As a vintage model, finding specific replacement parts may be challenging and could require sourcing from specialty suppliers or custom fabrication.
Initial Purchase Price: While resale values are strong, the initial investment for a well-maintained Swan 51 can be relatively high compared to other boats in its category.
Heavier Displacement: Though built for performance, the Swan 51 has a heavier displacement compared to newer models, which might affect speed and agility in light winds.
Made For
The 1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and timeless craftsmanship. Ideal for experienced sailors and cruising couples, it caters to those who seek an adventure on the open water while still enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed vessel. The Swan 51 is also perfect for competitive racers who want to embrace the thrill of regattas and racing events, thanks to its sleek design and responsive handling. With ample space for socializing and entertaining, this yacht is well-suited for families and groups looking to create memorable experiences on the water. Its solid construction and reliable performance make it a fantastic choice for those who value quality and durability in their sailing endeavors. Whether you're planning a long-distance cruise or a spirited day sail, the 1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51 offers the perfect balance of elegance and functionality, appealing to a wide range of sailing enthusiasts.
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Boat Location
Contact PURCELL YACHTS about 1982 Nautor Swan Swan 51
4655 Admiralty Way, Suite 206, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292
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