Beneteau First 33.7 vs 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 — Comparison

Beneteau First 33.7
VS
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 33.71994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year2001–20061994–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerJean BerretOlle Enderlein
Dimensions
LOA10.04 m (32.9 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
LWL8.89 m (29.2 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam3.32 m (10.9 ft)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)38.0 m² (409 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 33.7
19.92
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 33.7
35.11
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 33.7
0.79
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 33.7
17.13
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 33.7 and 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau First 33.7 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was designed by Olle Enderlein.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 33.7 measures 10.04m (32.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.32m, compared to the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 at 8.85m (29.0ft) with a 3.02m beam. The Beneteau First 33.7 is 1.19m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The Beneteau First 33.7 displaces approximately 27% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 33.7 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, with an SA/D of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 33.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 33.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7 and 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 33.7 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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 Beneteau First 33.7 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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