1994 Hylas 42 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison

1994 Hylas 42
VS
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Hylas 422009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
General
ManufacturerHylasBeneteau
Year1994–20042009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryTaiwanFrance
DesignerGerman FrersFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.44 m (34.3 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)5,550 kg (12,236 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.3 m² (800 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Hylas 42
16.80
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
16.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Hylas 42
40.48
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
28.83
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Hylas 42
0.73
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Hylas 42
19.29
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
18.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Hylas 42 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Hylas 42 is a 1990s design by Hylas from Taiwan, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1994 Hylas 42 was penned by German Frers. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1994 Hylas 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1994 Hylas 42 is 2.36m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 1994 Hylas 42 displaces approximately 72% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 Hylas 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.80 and 74.3 m² of sail area. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Hylas 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 Hylas 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1994 Hylas 42 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 Hylas 42 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Hylas 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 1994 Hylas 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 1994 Hylas 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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