2008 Najad 395 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Najad 395 | Beneteau First 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Najad | Beneteau |
| Year | 2008–2015 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | France |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.10 m (39.7 ft) | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs) | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 71.0 m² (764 ft²) | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Najad 395 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Najad 395 is a 2000s design by Najad from Sweden, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2008 Najad 395 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2008 Najad 395 measures 12.10m (39.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 0.06m longer than the 2008 Najad 395. The 2008 Najad 395 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Najad 395 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.67 and 71.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Najad 395 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the 2008 Najad 395 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Najad 395 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Najad 395 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: 2008 Najad 395 · Beneteau First 40