1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 0.92m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · Beneteau First 30