1990 Beneteau First 235 vs Hunter 240 — Comparison
1990 Beneteau First 235
Hunter 240
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Beneteau First 235 | Hunter 240 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.18 m (23.6 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 567 kg (1,250 lbs) | 476 kg (1,049 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) | 22.5 m² (242 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 8 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 19 L (5.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Beneteau First 235 and Hunter 240 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 240 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 240 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 measures 7.18m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the Hunter 240 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The Hunter 240 is 0.14m longer than the 1990 Beneteau First 235. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 240, with an SA/D of 18.62 and 22.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.88). The Hunter 240 has a comfort ratio of 15.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.88. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1990 Beneteau First 235 and 35.0% for the Hunter 240, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The Hunter 240 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Beneteau First 235 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 1990 Beneteau First 235 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: 1990 Beneteau First 235 · Hunter 240