1986 J/28 vs Beneteau First 20 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 J/28 | Beneteau First 20 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Beneteau |
| Year | 1986–1990 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Sam Manuard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.66 m (28.4 ft) | 5.90 m (19.4 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 5.39 m (17.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.34 m (7.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.30 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 660 kg (1,455 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 165 kg (364 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 37.6 m² (405 ft²) | 19.5 m² (210 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Lifting |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 4 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | — |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 10 L (2.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 J/28 and Beneteau First 20 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Beneteau First 20 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Beneteau First 20 was designed by Sam Manuard.
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 20 at 5.90m (19.4ft) with a 2.34m beam. The 1986 J/28 is 2.76m longer than the Beneteau First 20. The 1986 J/28 displaces approximately 347% 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 20, with an SA/D of 26.16 and 19.5 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 20 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 20 has a comfort ratio of 10.6 and a capsize screening value of 1.08. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 25.0% for the Beneteau First 20, 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 20 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 10L water and unspecified fuel.
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 20 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1986 J/28 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: 1986 J/28 · Beneteau First 20