HR 36 vs SWY 390

Swedish quality cruisers with different DNA: Hallberg-Rassy HR 36's bluewater reputation versus Sweden Yachts SWY 390's performance heritage. Side-by-side specs from published model data.

Swedish quality cruisers — advisory focuses on rigging invoices and deck moisture on two offshore benchmarks. Buyer advisory

Comparison table

CategoryHR 36SWY 390
Length overall10.87 m11.88 m
Beam3.55 m3.87 m
Production years1989–20031991–1998
OverviewThe HR 36 is one of Northern Europe's most traded centre-cockpit cruisers. Designed by Germán Frers for Hallberg-Rassy and built from 1989 to 2003, roughly 800+ hulls left the yard — a blue-water benchmark for Scandinavian couples stepping up from smaller HR and Najad hulls. Wit…The SWY 390 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Designed by Peter Norlin and built from 2010 to 2018, roughly ~90 hulls left the yard — larger Sweden Yachts platform for family cruising. With 11.88 m LOA, 3.55 m beam, and about 6,890 kg displaceme…
Typical issuesQ: Does the HR 36 suffer from osmosis? A: Yes — pre-1990 hulls built with non-osmosis-resistant polyester resin develop subsurface blistering in the boot stripe. Survey moisture readings above 15% (Tramex) on dry hulls warrant full treatment; typical cost at Nordic yards in 2024–2025 was €4,000–9,000 for hulls 10–11 m. Q: How serious are chainplate problems on HR 36? A: Deck core moisture around…Q: What standing rigging fatigue issues appear on SWY 390? A: Unknown rigging age is common on SWY 390; budget replacement if invoices are missing. Q: What chainplate leaks issues appear on SWY 390? A: Chainplate bedding failures often show as ceiling stains — moisture mapping before purchase. Q: What deck core moisture issues appear on SWY 390? A: Stanchion bases and tracks concentrate water ing…