1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42 1993 Beneteau First 42
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2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1993 Beneteau First 42 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
General
Manufacturer Beneteau X-Yachts
Year 1993–1998 2012–2018
Type Sloop Sloop
Country France Denmark
Designer Bruce Farr Niels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA 12.77 m (41.9 ft) 12.73 m (41.8 ft)
LWL 10.52 m (34.5 ft) 10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam 3.86 m (12.7 ft) 3.93 m (12.9 ft)
Draft 2.10 m (6.9 ft) 2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) 9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Ballast 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 76.3 m² (821 ft²) 79.0 m² (850 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 40 HP 55 HP
Fuel Capacity 150 L (39.6 gal) 150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity 250 L (66.0 gal) 300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 7 7
Cabins 3 3

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 at 12.73m (41.8ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 0.04m longer than the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 11% 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 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.

Compare Different Boats

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