Beneteau First 30 vs 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 30 | 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 1983–1989 | 1997–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Jean Berret | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 30 and 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.34m beam. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is 1.21m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 displaces approximately 61% 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, with an SA/D of 16.68 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 30 · 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34