1985 Beneteau First 285 vs 1978 Sabre 30 — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
1978 Sabre 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | 1978 Sabre 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Sabre |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) | 1,451 kg (3,199 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 37.0 m² (398 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 1978 Sabre 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1978 Sabre 30 is a 1970s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1978 Sabre 30 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 measures 8.65m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1978 Sabre 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 2.97m beam. The 1978 Sabre 30 is 0.49m longer than the 1985 Beneteau First 285. The 1978 Sabre 30 displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.99 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Sabre 30, with an SA/D of 15.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1978 Sabre 30 has a comfort ratio of 20.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 40.0% for the 1978 Sabre 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1978 Sabre 30 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Sabre 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 1985 Beneteau First 285 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Beneteau First 285 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: 1985 Beneteau First 285 · 1978 Sabre 30