2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.7Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year2002–20072005–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerBruce FarrPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)12.25 m (40.2 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)3,250 kg (7,165 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)86.0 m² (926 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
18.22
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
30.95
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
14.81

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 was designed by Philippe Briand.

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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 is 1.53m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 displaces approximately 49% 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45, with an SA/D of 18.22 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 31.0% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45, 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 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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