2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Catalina 387
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Catalina 387 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
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 Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 387. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 6% 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 Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 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 Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, 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 Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 387 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.