1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Bavaria Vision 42 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Bavaria Vision 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Bavaria |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2013–2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 9,500 kg (20,944 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 80.0 m² (861 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 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Bavaria Vision 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Bavaria Vision 42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Bavaria Vision 42 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Bavaria Vision 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria Vision 42 is 1.41m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 38. The Bavaria Vision 42 displaces approximately 35% 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 Bavaria Vision 42, with an SA/D of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Vision 42 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 Bavaria Vision 42 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 31.6% for the Bavaria Vision 42, 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 Bavaria Vision 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L 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 Bavaria Vision 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Bavaria Vision 42 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 · Bavaria Vision 42