Beneteau First 27 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

Beneteau First 27
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 272015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNautor Swan
Year1990–19942015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerJean BerretJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA8.19 m (26.9 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL7.21 m (23.7 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam2.79 m (9.2 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.55 m (5.1 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast850 kg (1,874 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area35.0 m² (377 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine9 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity70 L (18.5 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 27
19.84
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 27
35.42
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 27
0.83
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 27
16.70
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 27 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Beneteau First 27 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 27 measures 8.19m (26.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 2.81m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.84 and 35.0 m² of sail area. The 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 27 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 70L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 27 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 First 27 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: Beneteau First 27 · 2015 ClubSwan 36