2014 Elan 400 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
2014 Elan 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2014 Elan 400 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Elan | Beneteau |
| Year | 2014–2018 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Slovenia | France |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.07 m (39.6 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2014 Elan 400 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Elan 400 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2014 Elan 400 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 2014 Elan 400 measures 12.07m (39.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.63m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 48% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2014 Elan 400 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.99 and 76.0 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 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2014 Elan 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2014 Elan 400 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 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: 2014 Elan 400 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34