1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 — Comparison
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.28 m (40.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.78 m (35.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.99 m (13.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 70.2 m² (756 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 40 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 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 at 12.28m (40.3ft) with a 3.99m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 is 0.70m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 38. The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 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 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, with an SA/D of 17.12 and 70.2 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 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 30.6% for the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, 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 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 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 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 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 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 · Beneteau Oceanis 40.1