2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Catalina 42 MkII 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 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 0.61m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 35% 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 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 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 Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, 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 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 42 MkII 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Catalina 42 MkII