2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 1990 Westerly Oceanquest — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
1990 Westerly Oceanquest

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.71990 Westerly Oceanquest
General
ManufacturerBeneteauWesterly
Year2002–20071990–1996
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUK
DesignerBruce FarrEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP23 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
14.32
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
20.14

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 1990 Westerly Oceanquest represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest 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 1990 Westerly Oceanquest at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 1.52m longer than the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 19% 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 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, with an SA/D of 14.32 and 46.0 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 1990 Westerly Oceanquest has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 38.5% for the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, 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 1990 Westerly Oceanquest offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest 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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