1987 Beneteau First 345 vs Hanse 388 — Comparison

1987 Beneteau First 345
VS
Hanse 388

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1987 Beneteau First 345Hanse 388
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHanse
Year1987–19922017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerJean Berretjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.45 m (34.3 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.73 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1987 Beneteau First 345
17.40
Hanse 388
17.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1987 Beneteau First 345
40.00
Hanse 388
30.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1987 Beneteau First 345
0.77
Hanse 388
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1987 Beneteau First 345
19.76
Hanse 388
16.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and Hanse 388 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 388 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hanse 388 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Hanse 388 at 11.40m (37.4ft) with a 3.73m beam. The Hanse 388 is 0.95m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345. The Hanse 388 displaces approximately 32% 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 Hanse 388, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hanse 388 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 30.6% for the Hanse 388, 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 Hanse 388 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 140L 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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