Beneteau First 47.7 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

Beneteau First 47.7
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 47.72004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerBeneteauOyster
Year2003–20082004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUnited Kingdom
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.69 m (48.2 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL12.90 m (42.3 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 47.7
20.93
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 47.7
36.52
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 47.7
0.76
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 47.7
14.02
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 47.7 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The Beneteau First 47.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 47.7 measures 14.69m (48.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Beneteau First 47.7 is 0.67m longer than the 2004 Oyster 46. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 47.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.93 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 47.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 47.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 47.7 provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 47.7 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 47.7 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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