Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 vs Hanse 400 — Comparison

Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
VS
Hanse 400 Hanse 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 Hanse 400
General
Manufacturer Beneteau Hanse
Year 2017 2002–2006
Type Sloop Sloop
Country France Germany
Designer Marc Lombard judel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA 11.50 m (37.7 ft) 12.10 m (39.7 ft)
LWL 10.47 m (34.4 ft) 10.60 m (34.8 ft)
Beam 3.72 m (12.2 ft) 3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Draft 2.08 m (6.8 ft) 1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) 7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 62.5 m² (673 ft²) 68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 29 HP 29 HP
Fuel Capacity 140 L (37.0 gal) 150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity 250 L (66.0 gal) 280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 8
Cabins 2 3

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
17.11
Hanse 400
17.87
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
30.77
Hanse 400
30.92
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
0.77
Hanse 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
16.43
Hanse 400
16.16

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and Hanse 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 400 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Hanse 400 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 measures 11.50m (37.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Hanse 400 at 12.10m (39.7ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Hanse 400 is 0.60m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The Hanse 400 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.11 and 62.5 m² of sail area. The Hanse 400, with an SA/D of 17.87 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hanse 400 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 30.9% for the Hanse 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Hanse 400 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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 Hanse 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 Hanse 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

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