1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422012 X-Yachts Xp 44
General
ManufacturerBeneteauX-Yachts
Year1993–19982012–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceDenmark
DesignerBruce FarrNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)13.29 m (43.6 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)11.70 m (38.4 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.02 m (13.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.45 m (8.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)270 L (71.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
19.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
37.76
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
15.91

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 at 13.29m (43.6ft) with a 4.02m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is 0.52m longer than the 1993 Beneteau First 42. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 displaces approximately 11% 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44, with an SA/D of 19.96 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 37.8% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44, 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 270L water and 140L 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 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: 1993 Beneteau First 42 · 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44