1987 Beneteau First 345 vs 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 — Comparison

1987 Beneteau First 345
VS
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 402010 Hallberg-Rassy 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1987 Beneteau First 3452010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year1987–19922010–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerJean BerretGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA10.45 m (34.3 ft)12.08 m (39.6 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.82 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1987 Beneteau First 345
17.40
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
16.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1987 Beneteau First 345
40.00
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
38.04
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1987 Beneteau First 345
0.77
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1987 Beneteau First 345
19.76
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
19.94

Detailed Comparison

The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 at 12.08m (39.6ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is 1.63m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the edge in terms of raw sailing 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 38.0% for the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 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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