1986 J/28 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 J/28 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Beneteau |
| Year | 1986–1990 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.66 m (28.4 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 37.6 m² (405 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 J/28 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The Beneteau First 29 is 0.24m longer than the 1986 J/28. The Beneteau First 29 displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 J/28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 J/28 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 29 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: 1986 J/28 · Beneteau First 29