1992 J/32 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1992 J/32 | Beneteau First 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Beneteau |
| Year | 1992–1997 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.91 m (32.5 ft) | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 48.4 m² (521 ft²) | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1992 J/32 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 J/32 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1992 J/32 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1992 J/32 measures 9.91m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.25m longer than the 1992 J/32. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1992 J/32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 48.4 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1992 J/32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1992 J/32 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1992 J/32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 J/32 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 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 40 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: 1992 J/32 · Beneteau First 40