1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
1987 Beneteau First 38
Dufour 36 Classic
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 0.68m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 13% 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 Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Beneteau First 38 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.