2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Dufour 45E — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Dufour 45E
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Dufour 45E |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2008–2011 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 380 L (100.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.
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 Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 1.61m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The Dufour 45E 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 Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 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 Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 45E 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 Dufour 45E 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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Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Dufour 45E