Beneteau First 30 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 30 | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1983–1989 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 30 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The Beneteau First 33.7 is 0.90m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The Beneteau First 33.7 displaces approximately 31% 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 Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 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 Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, 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 Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 30 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 33.7 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 · Beneteau First 33.7