Beneteau First 29 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 29 | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Freedom |
| Year | 1995–2000 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 29 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Beneteau First 29 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 29 measures 8.90m (29.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.95m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 2.07m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 98% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 29 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 29 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 36 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 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1983 Freedom 36 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: Beneteau First 29 · 1983 Freedom 36