1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNautor Swan
Year1993–19982015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerBruce FarrJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths74
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 1.77m longer than the 2015 ClubSwan 36. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 84% 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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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