Beneteau First 44.7 vs 2014 X-Yachts X-40 — Comparison

Beneteau First 44.7
VS
2014 X-Yachts X-40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 44.72014 X-Yachts X-40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauX-Yachts
Year1999–20042014–2019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceDenmark
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA13.48 m (44.2 ft)12.15 m (39.9 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)10.70 m (35.1 ft)
Beam4.12 m (13.5 ft)3.70 m (12.1 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)8,000 kg (17,637 lbs)
Ballast3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)75.0 m² (807 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 44.7
20.82
2014 X-Yachts X-40
19.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 44.7
35.87
2014 X-Yachts X-40
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 44.7
0.79
2014 X-Yachts X-40
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 44.7
14.49
2014 X-Yachts X-40
17.35

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 44.7 and 2014 X-Yachts X-40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The Beneteau First 44.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 44.7 measures 13.48m (44.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.12m, compared to the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 at 12.15m (39.9ft) with a 3.70m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 1.33m longer than the 2014 X-Yachts X-40. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 15% 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40, with an SA/D of 19.05 and 75.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7 and 37.5% for the 2014 X-Yachts X-40, 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 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 · 2014 X-Yachts X-40