Beneteau First 47.7 vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison
2014 Amel 55
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 47.7 | 2014 Amel 55 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Amel |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 2014–2021 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Olivier Racoupeau |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.69 m (48.2 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 12.90 m (42.3 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) | 4.75 m (15.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) | 19,500 kg (42,990 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 105.0 m² (1,130 ft²) | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 580 L (153.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 780 L (206.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 47.7 and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The Beneteau First 47.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 47.7 measures 14.69m (48.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2014 Amel 55 is 2.11m longer than the Beneteau First 47.7. The 2014 Amel 55 displaces approximately 70% 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 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 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 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7 and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, 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 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2014 Amel 55 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 47.7 · 2014 Amel 55