Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 vs 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II — Comparison
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 | 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 2017 | 2003–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) | 13.15 m (43.1 ft) |
| LWL | 10.47 m (34.4 ft) | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 4.05 m (13.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.5 m² (673 ft²) | 84.0 m² (904 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 500 L (132.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 measures 11.50m (37.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II at 13.15m (43.1ft) with a 4.05m beam. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II is 1.65m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II displaces approximately 61% 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 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II, with an SA/D of 16.75 and 84.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 39.1% for the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II, 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 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II 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 Oceanis 38.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II 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: Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 · 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II