1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison
1979 Westerly Fulmar
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 1979 Westerly Fulmar |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Westerly |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1979–1986 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | UK |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 136 L (35.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 1.83m longer than the 1979 Westerly Fulmar. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.00 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 38 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 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 1979 Westerly Fulmar