Beneteau First 35 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 352015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerBeneteauNautor Swan
Year2004–20092015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.32m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The Beneteau First 35 displaces approximately 15% 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 35 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 35 · 2015 ClubSwan 36