1985 Westerly Storm 33 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
1985 Westerly Storm 33
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Westerly Storm 33 | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Westerly | Beneteau |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | UK | France |
| Designer | Ed Dubois | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Bilge | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 is a 1980s design by Westerly from UK, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 was penned by Ed Dubois. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1985 Westerly Storm 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 is 0.92m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Westerly Storm 33 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.20 and 45.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Westerly Storm 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1985 Westerly Storm 33 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Westerly Storm 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Westerly Storm 33 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.