Beneteau First 36.7 vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison

Beneteau First 36.7Beneteau First 36.7
VS
1976 C&C 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 36.71976 C&C 33
General
ManufacturerBeneteauC&C Yachts
Year2002–20081976–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceCanada
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA11.25 m (36.9 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.65 m (31.7 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.58 m (11.7 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 36.7
20.46
1976 C&C 33
15.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 36.7
36.21
1976 C&C 33
45.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 36.7
0.80
1976 C&C 33
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 36.7
15.88
1976 C&C 33
18.07

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 36.7 and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Beneteau First 36.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1976 C&C 33 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 36.7 measures 11.25m (36.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.58m, compared to the 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 1.19m longer than the 1976 C&C 33. The Beneteau First 36.7 displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 36.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 36.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 36.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7 and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 36.7 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1976 C&C 33 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 36.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 36.7 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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