2006 Catalina 375 vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison

2006 Catalina 3752006 Catalina 375
VS
Beneteau First 44.7

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2006 Catalina 375Beneteau First 44.7
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBeneteau
Year2006–20131999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)13.48 m (44.2 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)4.12 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2006 Catalina 375
16.24
Beneteau First 44.7
20.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2006 Catalina 375
41.17
Beneteau First 44.7
35.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2006 Catalina 375
0.75
Beneteau First 44.7
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2006 Catalina 375
18.62
Beneteau First 44.7
14.49

Detailed Comparison

The 2006 Catalina 375 and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2006 Catalina 375 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2006 Catalina 375 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2006 Catalina 375 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 1.90m longer than the 2006 Catalina 375. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2006 Catalina 375 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.24 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2006 Catalina 375 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 2006 Catalina 375 and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2006 Catalina 375 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2006 Catalina 375 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 44.7 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 44.7 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: 2006 Catalina 375 · Beneteau First 44.7