1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 1996 Moody 45 — Comparison
1996 Moody 45
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 1996 Moody 45 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Moody |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1996–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | UK |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bill Dixon |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 13.72 m (45.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 4.22 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 4,900 kg (10,803 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 1996 Moody 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1996 Moody 45 is a 1990s offering from Moody from UK. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1996 Moody 45 was designed by Bill Dixon.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1996 Moody 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.22m beam. The 1996 Moody 45 is 2.14m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 38. The 1996 Moody 45 displaces approximately 78% 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 1996 Moody 45, with an SA/D of 16.03 and 85.0 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 1996 Moody 45 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 39.2% for the 1996 Moody 45, 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 1996 Moody 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Moody 45 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 1996 Moody 45 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 · 1996 Moody 45