2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
1984 C&C 37+1984 C&C 37+

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.71984 C&C 37+
General
ManufacturerBeneteauC&C Yachts
Year2002–20071984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceCanada
DesignerBruce FarrCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
1984 C&C 37+
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
1984 C&C 37+
41.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
1984 C&C 37+
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
1984 C&C 37+
19.46

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1984 C&C 37+ was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

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 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 0.91m longer than the 1984 C&C 37+. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 7% 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 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, 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 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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