Beneteau First 30 vs 1986 Westerly Oceanlord — Comparison

Beneteau First 30Beneteau First 30
VS
1986 Westerly Oceanlord

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 301986 Westerly Oceanlord
General
ManufacturerBeneteauWesterly
Year1983–19891986–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUK
DesignerJean BerretEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)12.04 m (39.5 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)9,980 kg (22,002 lbs)
Ballast1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area42.0 m² (452 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP50 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)182 L (48.1 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 30
18.17
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 30
36.11
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 30
0.80
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 30
19.21
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
23.70

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 30 and 1986 Westerly Oceanlord represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord at 12.04m (39.5ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is 2.90m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord displaces approximately 177% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 36.4% for the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 182L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The Beneteau First 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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