1985 Beneteau First 285 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 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 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
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 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is 0.12m longer than the Hunter 280. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 displaces approximately 12% 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 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 280 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 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, 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 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L 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 280 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 280