1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison

1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
VS
Beneteau First 44.7

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352Beneteau First 44.7
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyBeneteau
Year1985–19931999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenFrance
DesignerGerman FrersFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.72 m (35.2 ft)13.48 m (44.2 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)4.12 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.8 m² (611 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
16.83
Beneteau First 44.7
20.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
42.87
Beneteau First 44.7
35.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
0.72
Beneteau First 44.7
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
23.10
Beneteau First 44.7
14.49

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 was penned by German Frers. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 measures 10.72m (35.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 2.76m longer than the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.83 and 56.8 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 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 44.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 44.7 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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