1998 X-Yachts 332 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison

1998 X-Yachts 332
VS
Beneteau First 35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 X-Yachts 332Beneteau First 35
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsBeneteau
Year1998–20032004–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFrance
DesignerNiels JeppesenFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.68 m (35.0 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.13 m (10.3 ft)3.45 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.5 m² (544 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 X-Yachts 332
18.29
Beneteau First 35
19.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 X-Yachts 332
40.43
Beneteau First 35
34.55
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 X-Yachts 332
0.75
Beneteau First 35
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 X-Yachts 332
19.07
Beneteau First 35
16.84

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 X-Yachts 332 and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 is a 1990s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The Beneteau First 35 is 0.62m longer than the 1998 X-Yachts 332. The Beneteau First 35 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.29 and 50.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1998 X-Yachts 332 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 X-Yachts 332 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 35 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: 1998 X-Yachts 332 · Beneteau First 35