1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year1993–19982007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerBruce FarrPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)12.00 m (39.4 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
14.75

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is 0.95m longer than the 1993 Beneteau First 42. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 33.3% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 180L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS 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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