Beneteau First 47.7 vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison

Beneteau First 47.7
VS
2016 Elan GT5

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 47.72016 Elan GT5
General
ManufacturerBeneteauElan
Year2003–20082016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche
Dimensions
LOA14.69 m (48.2 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
LWL12.90 m (42.3 ft)12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)4.28 m (14.0 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 47.7
20.93
2016 Elan GT5
19.87
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 47.7
36.52
2016 Elan GT5
31.37
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 47.7
0.76
2016 Elan GT5
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 47.7
14.02
2016 Elan GT5
14.02

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 47.7 and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Beneteau First 47.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 47.7 measures 14.69m (48.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The Beneteau First 47.7 is 0.84m longer than the 2016 Elan GT5. The Beneteau First 47.7 displaces approximately 13% 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 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7 and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, 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 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 47.7 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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