Beneteau First 35 vs Hanse 445 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
Hanse 445

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 35Hanse 445
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHanse
Year2004–20092012–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerFarr Yacht Designjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)13.50 m (44.3 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)87.0 m² (937 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)370 L (97.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
Hanse 445
18.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
Hanse 445
31.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
Hanse 445
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
Hanse 445
15.14

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and Hanse 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 445 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hanse 445 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 445 at 13.50m (44.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Hanse 445 is 2.82m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The Hanse 445 displaces approximately 84% 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 445, with an SA/D of 18.91 and 87.0 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 445 has a comfort ratio of 15.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 31.7% for the Hanse 445, 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 445 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 370L water and 200L 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 445 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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