1994 J/105 vs Beneteau First 36.7 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
Beneteau First 36.7Beneteau First 36.7

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/105Beneteau First 36.7
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBeneteau
Year1994–20082002–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)9.65 m (31.7 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.58 m (11.7 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
Beneteau First 36.7
20.46
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
Beneteau First 36.7
36.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
Beneteau First 36.7
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
Beneteau First 36.7
15.88

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and Beneteau First 36.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Beneteau First 36.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Beneteau First 36.7 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.58m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 0.73m longer than the 1994 J/105. The Beneteau First 36.7 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 36.7, with an SA/D of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The Beneteau First 36.7 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Beneteau First 36.7 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 36.7 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 J/105 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 36.7 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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Or view individual specs: 1994 J/105 · Beneteau First 36.7