2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 1984 Moody 33 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
1984 Moody 331984 Moody 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.71984 Moody 33
General
ManufacturerBeneteauMoody
Year2002–20071984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUK
DesignerBruce FarrBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.40 m (4.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
1984 Moody 33
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
1984 Moody 33
40.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
1984 Moody 33
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
1984 Moody 33
21.57

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 1984 Moody 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 Moody 33 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1984 Moody 33 was designed by Bill Dixon.

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 Moody 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 2.13m longer than the 1984 Moody 33. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 35% 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 Moody 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 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 1984 Moody 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 40.4% for the 1984 Moody 33, 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 Moody 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Moody 33 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.

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