1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1995–2001 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.27 m (10.7 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.5 m² (479 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.27m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 is 0.78m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 44.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 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 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 · Beneteau First 29