1942 Nordic Folkboat vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison

1942 Nordic Folkboat1942 Nordic Folkboat
VS
Beneteau First 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1942 Nordic FolkboatBeneteau First 29
General
ManufacturerNordicBeneteau
Year19421995–2000
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenFrance
DesignerTord SundenBruce Farr
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.90 m (29.2 ft)
LWL5.94 m (19.5 ft)7.95 m (26.1 ft)
Beam2.18 m (7.2 ft)2.95 m (9.7 ft)
Draft1.19 m (3.9 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)3,100 kg (6,834 lbs)
Ballast720 kg (1,587 lbs)1,080 kg (2,381 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area23.0 m² (248 ft²)39.5 m² (425 ft²)
Hull MaterialWood/EpoxyFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine8 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity20 L (5.3 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths45
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
15.80
Beneteau First 29
18.88
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
40.00
Beneteau First 29
34.84
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
0.72
Beneteau First 29
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
23.60
Beneteau First 29
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1942 Nordic Folkboat and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is a classic design by Nordic from Sweden, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat was penned by Tord Sunden. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.

In terms of size, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.18m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The Beneteau First 29 is 1.28m longer than the 1942 Nordic Folkboat. The Beneteau First 29 displaces approximately 72% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.80 and 23.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1942 Nordic Folkboat 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 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 29 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: 1942 Nordic Folkboat · Beneteau First 29