1998 X-Yachts 332 vs Beneteau First 24 — Comparison

1998 X-Yachts 332
VS
Beneteau First 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 X-Yachts 332Beneteau First 24
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsBeneteau
Year1998–20032008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFrance
DesignerNiels JeppesenJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)7.20 m (23.6 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)6.45 m (21.2 ft)
Beam3.13 m (10.3 ft)2.50 m (8.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.40 m (4.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)460 kg (1,014 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.5 m² (544 ft²)27.0 m² (291 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP6 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)20 L (5.3 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 X-Yachts 332
18.29
Beneteau First 24
21.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 X-Yachts 332
40.43
Beneteau First 24
32.86
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 X-Yachts 332
0.75
Beneteau First 24
0.89
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 X-Yachts 332
19.07
Beneteau First 24
14.25

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 X-Yachts 332 and Beneteau First 24 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 24 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Beneteau First 24 was designed by Jean Berret.

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 24 at 7.20m (23.6ft) with a 2.50m beam. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 is 2.86m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 displaces approximately 236% 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 24, with an SA/D of 21.93 and 27.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 24 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 24 has a comfort ratio of 14.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1998 X-Yachts 332 and 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24, 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 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 20L 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 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1998 X-Yachts 332 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: 1998 X-Yachts 332 · Beneteau First 24