2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2005 Beneteau Oceanis 4232005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Beneteau Oceanis 4232014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBeneteauElan
Year2005–20092014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerGroupe FinotRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.85 m (42.2 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL11.12 m (36.5 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.02 m (13.2 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,700 kg (19,180 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area73.0 m² (786 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
17.53
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
32.18
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
0.78
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
15.46
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 measures 12.85m (42.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 is 0.78m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.53 and 73.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.2% for the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 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: 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 · 2014 Elan 400