2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Beneteau First 36.7 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Beneteau First 36.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Beneteau First 36.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2002–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.58 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Beneteau First 36.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Beneteau First 36.7 was designed by Farr Yacht 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 Beneteau First 36.7 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.58m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 0.94m longer than the Beneteau First 36.7. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 21% 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 Beneteau First 36.7, with an SA/D of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. 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 Beneteau First 36.7 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7, 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 Beneteau First 36.7 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 36.7 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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Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Beneteau First 36.7