Beneteau First 40 vs 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 40 | 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 1986–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) | 10.20 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 40 and 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 40 measures 12.16m (39.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is 0.64m longer than the Beneteau First 40. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F displaces approximately 50% 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, with an SA/D of 16.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 40 · 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F