1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 2004 Najad 405 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 2004 Najad 405 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Najad |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2004–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.40 m (40.7 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.40 m (34.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.82 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 73.0 m² (786 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) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 2004 Najad 405 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2004 Najad 405 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2004 Najad 405 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2004 Najad 405 at 12.40m (40.7ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 2004 Najad 405 is 0.82m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 38. The 2004 Najad 405 displaces approximately 31% 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 2004 Najad 405, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 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 2004 Najad 405 has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 39.1% for the 2004 Najad 405, 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 2004 Najad 405 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2004 Najad 405 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 2004 Najad 405