2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
Hanse 320Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.7Hanse 320
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHanse
Year2002–20072005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerBruce Farrjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

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 Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 2.27m longer than the Hanse 320. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 53% 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 Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 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 Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, 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 Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hanse 320 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.

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