Beneteau First 40 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 40 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 40 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 40 measures 12.16m (39.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 1.72m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 26% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 40 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34