1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 — Comparison

1987 Beneteau First 38
VS
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1987 Beneteau First 382010 X-Yachts Xc 35
General
ManufacturerBeneteauX-Yachts
Year1987–19922010–2016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceDenmark
DesignerJean BerretNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.57 m (34.7 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)70 L (18.5 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1987 Beneteau First 38
18.00
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
16.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1987 Beneteau First 38
39.83
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
36.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1987 Beneteau First 38
0.78
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1987 Beneteau First 38
18.06
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
19.28

Detailed Comparison

The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 at 10.57m (34.7ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 1.01m longer than the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 21% 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35, with an SA/D of 16.37 and 52.0 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 36.2% for the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 70L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 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 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.

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Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35