Beneteau First 35 vs 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 402010 Hallberg-Rassy 40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 352010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHallberg-Rassy
Year2004–20092010–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)12.08 m (39.6 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.82 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
16.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
38.04
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
19.94

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 at 12.08m (39.6ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is 1.40m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 displaces approximately 67% 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 38.0% for the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 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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