1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Hanse 388 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Hanse 388 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hanse |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | judel/vrolijk & co |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 11.40 m (37.4 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.73 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 7,200 kg (15,873 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 260 L (68.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Hanse 388 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 388 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hanse 388 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Hanse 388 at 11.40m (37.4ft) with a 3.73m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 0.18m longer than the Hanse 388. The Hanse 388 displaces approximately 2% 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 Hanse 388, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hanse 388 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 30.6% for the Hanse 388, 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 Hanse 388 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 140L 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 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · Hanse 388