Beneteau First 36.7 vs 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 — Comparison

Beneteau First 36.7Beneteau First 36.7
VS
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 412012 Beneteau Oceanis 41

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 36.72012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year2002–20082012–2016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA11.25 m (36.9 ft)12.43 m (40.8 ft)
LWL9.65 m (31.7 ft)10.89 m (35.7 ft)
Beam3.58 m (11.7 ft)3.99 m (13.1 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 36.7
20.46
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
18.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 36.7
36.21
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
30.59
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 36.7
0.80
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 36.7
15.88
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
16.04

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 36.7 and 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 36.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 36.7 measures 11.25m (36.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.58m, compared to the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 at 12.43m (40.8ft) with a 3.99m beam. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 is 1.18m longer than the Beneteau First 36.7. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 displaces approximately 47% 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, with an SA/D of 18.05 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7 and 30.6% for the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 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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