2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Bavaria 44 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Bavaria 44 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Bavaria |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2002–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 13.55 m (44.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.82 m (38.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.18 m (13.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 86.0 m² (926 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 230 L (60.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Bavaria 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Bavaria 44 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Bavaria 44 was designed by J&J Design.
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 Bavaria 44 at 13.55m (44.5ft) with a 4.18m beam. The Bavaria 44 is 1.36m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The Bavaria 44 displaces approximately 45% 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 Bavaria 44, with an SA/D of 18.57 and 86.0 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 Bavaria 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 31.4% for the Bavaria 44, 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 Bavaria 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 230L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Bavaria 44 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 Bavaria 44 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 · Bavaria 44