1987 Beneteau First 345 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 345 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.45 m (34.3 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Hunter 356 is 0.37m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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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