1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 2005 X-Yachts X-35 — Comparison
2005 X-Yachts X-35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 2005 X-Yachts X-35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2005–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Denmark |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.59 m (34.7 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.40 m (30.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 65 L (17.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 2005 X-Yachts X-35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 at 10.59m (34.7ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 0.99m longer than the 2005 X-Yachts X-35. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 28% 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35, with an SA/D of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35, 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L water and 65L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 2005 X-Yachts X-35