1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison

1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35
VS
Beneteau First 44.7

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35Beneteau First 44.7
General
ManufacturerWauquiezBeneteau
Year1993–20001999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean-Marie FinotFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)13.48 m (44.2 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)4.12 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35
16.19
Beneteau First 44.7
20.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35
42.31
Beneteau First 44.7
35.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35
0.75
Beneteau First 44.7
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35
21.10
Beneteau First 44.7
14.49

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 is a 1990s design by Wauquiez from France, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 2.81m longer than the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.19 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.3% for the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 160L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Wauquiez Pretorien 35 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 Beneteau First 44.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 44.7 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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