1985 Beneteau First 285 vs 1985 Nonsuch 26 — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
1985 Nonsuch 26
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | 1985 Nonsuch 26 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Nonsuch |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1985–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Other |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Mark Ellis |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 1985 Nonsuch 26 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1985 Nonsuch 26 is a 1980s offering from Nonsuch from Canada. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 was designed by Mark Ellis.
In terms of size, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 measures 8.65m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1985 Nonsuch 26 at 7.92m (26.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is 0.73m longer than the 1985 Nonsuch 26. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 displaces approximately 16% 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 1985 Nonsuch 26, with an SA/D of 15.47 and 28.0 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 1985 Nonsuch 26 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 36.4% for the 1985 Nonsuch 26, 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 1985 Nonsuch 26 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Nonsuch 26 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1985 Beneteau First 285 · 1985 Nonsuch 26