1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1993 Beneteau First 42 | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1993–1998 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.3 m² (821 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 1.42m longer than the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 32% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37