Beneteau First 40 vs 1982 Westerly Konsort — Comparison

Beneteau First 40
VS
1982 Westerly Konsort1982 Westerly Konsort

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 401982 Westerly Konsort
General
ManufacturerBeneteauWesterly
Year2006–20121982–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUK
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.16 m (39.9 ft)9.50 m (31.2 ft)
LWL10.58 m (34.7 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam3.80 m (12.5 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,000 kg (15,432 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)1,633 kg (3,600 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)34.0 m² (366 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Water Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 40
20.55
1982 Westerly Konsort
12.61
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 40
35.71
1982 Westerly Konsort
36.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 40
0.80
1982 Westerly Konsort
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 40
14.87
1982 Westerly Konsort
22.75

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 40 and 1982 Westerly Konsort represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1982 Westerly Konsort is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1982 Westerly Konsort was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 40 measures 12.16m (39.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 1982 Westerly Konsort at 9.50m (31.2ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.66m longer than the 1982 Westerly Konsort. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 40 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Westerly Konsort, with an SA/D of 12.61 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1982 Westerly Konsort has a comfort ratio of 22.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 36.0% for the 1982 Westerly Konsort, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 40 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1982 Westerly Konsort offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1982 Westerly Konsort 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 40 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 40 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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