2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.72005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year2002–20072005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerBruce FarrGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
21.15

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 was designed by German Frers.

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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 0.94m longer than the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 displaces approximately 7% 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 40.0% for the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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 · 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37