Beneteau First 35 vs Hanse 415 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
Hanse 415

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 35Hanse 415
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHanse
Year2004–20092011–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerFarr Yacht Designjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)12.40 m (40.7 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,650 kg (5,842 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)310 L (81.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
Hanse 415
17.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
Hanse 415
31.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
Hanse 415
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
Hanse 415
16.21

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and Hanse 415 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 415 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hanse 415 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the Hanse 415 at 12.40m (40.7ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Hanse 415 is 1.72m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The Hanse 415 displaces approximately 55% 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 Hanse 415, with an SA/D of 17.81 and 73.0 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 Hanse 415 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 31.2% for the Hanse 415, 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 Hanse 415 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 310L water and 170L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 35 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 Hanse 415 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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