2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 — Comparison

2002 Beneteau First 40.72002 Beneteau First 40.7
VS
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Beneteau First 40.7Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year2002–20072016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerBruce FarrDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.94 m (35.9 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
20.49
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
38.72
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
0.81
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
14.17
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 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 Fast 3600 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

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 Fast 3600 at 10.94m (35.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 1.25m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 displaces approximately 38% 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 Fast 3600, with an SA/D of 20.92 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 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 Fast 3600 has a comfort ratio of 13.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600, 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 Fast 3600 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 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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