1985 Beneteau First 285 vs Hunter 27 — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
Hunter 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | Hunter 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1992–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.79 m (9.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 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) | 33.0 m² (355 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and Hunter 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 27 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 27 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 measures 8.65m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Hunter 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.79m beam. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is 0.42m longer than the Hunter 27. 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 Hunter 27, with an SA/D of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 27 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 Hunter 27 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 36.4% for the Hunter 27, 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 Hunter 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Beneteau First 285 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 Hunter 27 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 · Hunter 27