Beneteau First 30 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison

Beneteau First 30Beneteau First 30
VS
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 372008 Beneteau Oceanis 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 302008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year1983–19892008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean BerretFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.35 m (37.2 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)9.93 m (32.6 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)6,680 kg (14,727 lbs)
Ballast1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area42.0 m² (452 ft²)59.0 m² (635 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 30
18.17
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 30
36.11
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
29.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 30
0.80
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 30
19.21
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 30 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 2.21m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 86% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 30 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37