Beneteau First 36.7 vs 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 — Comparison
Beneteau First 36.7
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 36.7 | 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 2002–2008 | 1997–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.58 m (11.7 ft) | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 36.7 and 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau First 36.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 36.7 measures 11.25m (36.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.58m, compared to the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.34m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 0.90m longer than the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34.
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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, with an SA/D of 16.68 and 53.0 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7 and 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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.
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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 36.7 · 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34