1993 Beneteau First 42 vs Hanse 445 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
Hanse 445

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 42Hanse 445
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHanse
Year1993–19982012–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerBruce Farrjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)13.50 m (44.3 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)87.0 m² (937 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)370 L (97.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
Hanse 445
18.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
Hanse 445
31.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
Hanse 445
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
Hanse 445
15.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and Hanse 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hanse 445 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Hanse 445 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Hanse 445 at 13.50m (44.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Hanse 445 is 0.73m longer than the 1993 Beneteau First 42. The Hanse 445 displaces approximately 14% 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 Hanse 445, with an SA/D of 18.91 and 87.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 445 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 Hanse 445 has a comfort ratio of 15.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 31.7% for the Hanse 445, 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 Hanse 445 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 370L water and 200L 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 Hanse 445 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 445 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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