Beneteau First 44.7 vs 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 — Comparison

Beneteau First 44.7
VS
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 412012 Beneteau Oceanis 41

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 44.72012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year1999–20042012–2016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA13.48 m (44.2 ft)12.43 m (40.8 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)10.89 m (35.7 ft)
Beam4.12 m (13.5 ft)3.99 m (13.1 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 44.7
20.82
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
18.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 44.7
35.87
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
30.59
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 44.7
0.79
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 44.7
14.49
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
16.04

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 44.7 and 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 44.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 44.7 measures 13.48m (44.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.12m, compared to the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 at 12.43m (40.8ft) with a 3.99m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 1.05m longer than the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 8% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 44.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of sail area. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, with an SA/D of 18.05 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 44.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7 and 30.6% for the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 44.7 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 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 44.7 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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