2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
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 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 1.22m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 8% 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 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 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 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, 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 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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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Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · 1985 Contest 36