1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
VS
Beneteau First 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CCBeneteau First 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year1998–20032006–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe FinotFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)12.16 m (39.9 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.58 m (34.7 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)7,000 kg (15,432 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area59.0 m² (635 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
16.23
Beneteau First 40
20.55
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
35.21
Beneteau First 40
35.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
0.76
Beneteau First 40
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
19.82
Beneteau First 40
14.87

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC was penned by Groupe Finot. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 1.19m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.23 and 59.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 35.2% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC 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 40 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 40 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: 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC · Beneteau First 40