2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 10.47 m (34.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 62.5 m² (673 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.
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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 at 11.50m (37.7ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is 0.69m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 displaces approximately 2% 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, with an SA/D of 17.11 and 62.5 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 140L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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 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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Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Beneteau Oceanis 38.1