Beneteau First 35 vs 1993 Najad 360 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
1993 Najad 3601993 Najad 360

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 351993 Najad 360
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNajad
Year2004–20091993–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
1993 Najad 360
16.04
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
1993 Najad 360
41.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
1993 Najad 360
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
1993 Najad 360
20.68

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and 1993 Najad 360 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1993 Najad 360 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1993 Najad 360 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 1993 Najad 360 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1993 Najad 360 is 0.29m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 1993 Najad 360 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 1993 Najad 360, with an SA/D of 16.04 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1993 Najad 360 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 41.5% for the 1993 Najad 360, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1993 Najad 360 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Najad 360 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 Beneteau First 35 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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