2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
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 Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 1.29m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 13% 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 Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 Classic 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 · Dufour 36 Classic