Beneteau First 33.7 vs Hunter 380 — Comparison

Beneteau First 33.7
VS
Hunter 380Hunter 380

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 33.7Hunter 380
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHunter
Year2001–20062001–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerJean BerretGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA10.04 m (32.9 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL8.89 m (29.2 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.32 m (10.9 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)
Ballast1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 33.7
19.92
Hunter 380
17.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 33.7
35.11
Hunter 380
37.51
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 33.7
0.79
Hunter 380
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 33.7
17.13
Hunter 380
17.27

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 33.7 and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Beneteau First 33.7 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 33.7 measures 10.04m (32.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.32m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Hunter 380 is 1.54m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The Hunter 380 displaces approximately 54% 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 Hunter 380, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 64.0 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 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 Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7 and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, 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 Hunter 380 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 380 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 Hunter 380 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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