Beneteau First 35 vs 1995 Feeling 39 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
1995 Feeling 39

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 351995 Feeling 39
General
ManufacturerBeneteauFeeling
Year2004–20091995–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.78 m (12.4 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)66.0 m² (710 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
1995 Feeling 39
17.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
1995 Feeling 39
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
1995 Feeling 39
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
1995 Feeling 39
18.21

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and 1995 Feeling 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1995 Feeling 39 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1995 Feeling 39 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 1995 Feeling 39 at 11.80m (38.7ft) with a 3.78m beam. The 1995 Feeling 39 is 1.12m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 1995 Feeling 39 displaces approximately 42% 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 1995 Feeling 39, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 1995 Feeling 39 has a comfort ratio of 18.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 38.5% for the 1995 Feeling 39, 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 1995 Feeling 39 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1995 Feeling 39 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: The 1995 Feeling 39 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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