2020 Bavaria C45 vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison
2020 Bavaria C45
Beneteau First 44.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2020 Bavaria C45 | Beneteau First 44.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Beneteau |
| Year | 2020 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Cossutti Yacht Design | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.27 m (46.8 ft) | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.35 m (14.3 ft) | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,000 kg (24,251 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 57 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 8 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2020 Bavaria C45 and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2020 Bavaria C45 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2020 Bavaria C45 was penned by Cossutti Yacht Design. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2020 Bavaria C45 measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The 2020 Bavaria C45 is 0.79m longer than the Beneteau First 44.7. The 2020 Bavaria C45 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2020 Bavaria C45 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2020 Bavaria C45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 30.0% for the 2020 Bavaria C45 and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2020 Bavaria C45 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 44.7 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 44.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2020 Bavaria C45 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.