1987 Beneteau First 345 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 345 | 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Wauquiez |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1988–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Jean-Marie Finot |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.45 m (34.3 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 47.0 m² (506 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 90 L (23.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is 0.24m longer than the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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: 1987 Beneteau First 345 · 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur