2002 Beneteau First 40.7 vs Dufour 470 — Comparison
2002 Beneteau First 40.7
Dufour 470
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 | Dufour 470 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Felci Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 14.23 m (46.7 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.39 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 11,200 kg (24,692 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 94.0 m² (1,012 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 57 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 440 L (116.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 10 |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and Dufour 470 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 470 is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Dufour 470 was designed by Felci Yacht Design.
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 470 at 14.23m (46.7ft) with a 4.39m beam. The Dufour 470 is 2.04m longer than the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7. The Dufour 470 displaces approximately 59% 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 470, with an SA/D of 19.07 and 94.0 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 470 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 and 31.3% for the Dufour 470, 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 470 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 440L water and 220L 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 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 470 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2002 Beneteau First 40.7 · Dufour 470