1993 Beneteau First 42 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 42Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year1993–19982018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerBruce FarrPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)13.39 m (43.9 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)12.09 m (39.7 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.29 m (14.1 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)9,900 kg (21,826 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)3,100 kg (6,834 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
18.07
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
31.31
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
14.04

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 at 13.39m (43.9ft) with a 4.29m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 is 0.62m longer than the 1993 Beneteau First 42. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 displaces approximately 12% 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, with an SA/D of 18.07 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 31.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L 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 1993 Beneteau First 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 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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