Beneteau First 36.7 vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison
Beneteau First 36.7
1985 Sabre 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 36.7 | 1985 Sabre 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Sabre |
| Year | 2002–2008 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.58 m (11.7 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 36.7 and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The Beneteau First 36.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 36.7 measures 11.25m (36.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.58m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 1.50m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The Beneteau First 36.7 displaces approximately 42% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 36.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 36.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 36.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7 and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 36.7 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 32 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 36.7 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 36.7 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 36.7 · 1985 Sabre 32