2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs 2014 X-Yachts X-50 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
2014 X-Yachts X-50

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.72014 X-Yachts X-50
General
ManufacturerBeneteauX-Yachts
Year2002–20072014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceDenmark
DesignerBruce FarrNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)15.15 m (49.7 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)13.20 m (43.3 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.65 m (8.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)112.0 m² (1,206 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
2014 X-Yachts X-50
20.58
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
2014 X-Yachts X-50
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
2014 X-Yachts X-50
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
2014 X-Yachts X-50
14.83

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 2014 X-Yachts X-50 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2014 X-Yachts X-50 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2014 X-Yachts X-50 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

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 X-Yachts X-50 at 15.15m (49.7ft) with a 4.35m beam. The 2014 X-Yachts X-50 is 2.96m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The 2014 X-Yachts X-50 displaces approximately 85% 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 X-Yachts X-50, with an SA/D of 20.58 and 112.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2014 X-Yachts X-50 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 X-Yachts X-50 has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 38.5% for the 2014 X-Yachts X-50, 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 X-Yachts X-50 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 X-Yachts X-50 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 2014 X-Yachts X-50 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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Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · 2014 X-Yachts X-50