1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 vs Dufour 470 — Comparison

1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
VS
Dufour 470Dufour 470

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461Dufour 470
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDufour
Year1995–20002018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe FinotFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA14.02 m (46.0 ft)14.23 m (46.7 ft)
LWL12.19 m (40.0 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.37 m (14.3 ft)4.39 m (14.4 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.3 m² (951 ft²)94.0 m² (1,012 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)440 L (116.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths810
Cabins44

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
17.77
Dufour 470
19.07
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
32.00
Dufour 470
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
0.78
Dufour 470
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
15.05
Dufour 470
13.70

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 and Dufour 470 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 470 is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Dufour 470 was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.37m, compared to the Dufour 470 at 14.23m (46.7ft) with a 4.39m beam. The Dufour 470 is 0.21m longer than the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.77 and 88.3 m² of sail area. The Dufour 470, with an SA/D of 19.07 and 94.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 470 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Dufour 470 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 32.0% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 and 31.3% for the Dufour 470, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Dufour 470 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 440L water and 220L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 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 Dufour 470 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 470 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: 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 · Dufour 470