1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 402010 Hallberg-Rassy 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year1993–19982010–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerBruce FarrGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)12.08 m (39.6 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.82 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
16.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
38.04
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
19.94

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 at 12.08m (39.6ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 0.69m longer than the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 displaces approximately 4% 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 38.0% for the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 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: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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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