Beneteau First 44.7 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 44.7 | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 44.7 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 44.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 44.7 measures 13.48m (44.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.12m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 2.13m longer than the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 44.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of sail area. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 44.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 44.7 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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 44.7 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 44.7 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: Beneteau First 44.7 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37