2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
1979 Westerly Fulmar
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | 1979 Westerly Fulmar |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Westerly |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1979–1986 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | UK |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 136 L (35.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 2.44m longer than the 1979 Westerly Fulmar. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.49 and 74.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 160L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 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: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · 1979 Westerly Fulmar