1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
Beneteau First 33.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The Beneteau First 33.7 is 0.89m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Beneteau First 33.7 displaces approximately 24% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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 33.7 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 33.7 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.