1999 Catalina 400 vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison
1999 Catalina 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1999 Catalina 400 | Beneteau First 44.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.12 m (39.8 ft) | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) |
| LWL | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.9 m² (720 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1999 Catalina 400 and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 1.36m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1999 Catalina 400 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1999 Catalina 400 · Beneteau First 44.7