1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1993 Beneteau First 42 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Cal |
| Year | 1993–1998 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.3 m² (821 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 0.88m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 8% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 1993 Beneteau First 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1993 Beneteau First 42 · 1979 Cal 39