1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1986–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Jean Berret | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.20 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is 1.22m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 38. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F displaces approximately 49% 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, with an SA/D of 16.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F