2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison

2010 Beneteau Oceanis 432010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
VS
Beneteau First 35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43Beneteau First 35
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year2010–20142004–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe Finot-ConqFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA13.17 m (43.2 ft)10.68 m (35.0 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.17 m (13.7 ft)3.45 m (11.3 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area80.0 m² (861 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine54 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
18.12
Beneteau First 35
19.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
31.58
Beneteau First 35
34.55
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
0.79
Beneteau First 35
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
14.95
Beneteau First 35
16.84

Detailed Comparison

The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 measures 13.17m (43.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.17m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 is 2.49m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 displaces approximately 73% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 35 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 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 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

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Or view individual specs: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 · Beneteau First 35