Beneteau First 30 vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
1972 Ericson 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 30 | 1972 Ericson 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Ericson |
| Year | 1983–1989 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bruce King |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 39.0 m² (420 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 30 and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1972 Ericson 32 is 0.61m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1972 Ericson 32 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ericson 32 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 30 · 1972 Ericson 32