2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.72014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year2002–20072014–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerBruce FarrGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)14.73 m (48.3 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)12.70 m (41.7 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)101.0 m² (1,087 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)650 L (171.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
17.25
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
36.55
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
17.74

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 at 14.73m (48.3ft) with a 4.35m beam. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 is 2.54m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 displaces approximately 106% 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48, with an SA/D of 17.25 and 101.0 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 has a comfort ratio of 17.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 36.6% for the 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48, 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 650L water and 380L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 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.

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