1978 Albin Ballad 30 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
1978 Albin Ballad 30
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Albin Ballad 30 | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Albin | Beneteau |
| Year | 1978–1984 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | France |
| Designer | Rolf Magnusson | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.07 m (29.8 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.5 m² (414 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 was penned by Rolf Magnusson. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 measures 9.07m (29.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Beneteau First 30 is 0.07m longer than the 1978 Albin Ballad 30. The Beneteau First 30 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 38.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 42.7% for the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 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 30 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 30 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Albin Ballad 30 · Beneteau First 30