2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
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 Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 1.37m longer than the Hunter 356. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 29% 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 Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 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 Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 356 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Hunter 356