1998 Hunter 340 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
1998 Hunter 340
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Hunter 340 | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Hunter 340 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1998 Hunter 340 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The 1998 Hunter 340 is 0.32m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The 1998 Hunter 340 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Hunter 340 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 51.1 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 1998 Hunter 340 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) 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 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Hunter 340 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Hunter 340 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 1998 Hunter 340 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: 1998 Hunter 340 · Beneteau First 33.7