Beneteau First 47.7 vs Jeanneau Yacht 53 — Comparison

Beneteau First 47.7
VS
Jeanneau Yacht 53Jeanneau Yacht 53

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 47.7Jeanneau Yacht 53
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year2003–20082017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA14.69 m (48.2 ft)16.06 m (52.7 ft)
LWL12.90 m (42.3 ft)14.20 m (46.6 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)4.70 m (15.4 ft)
Draft2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.42 m (7.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)15,500 kg (34,172 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)115.0 m² (1,238 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP80 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)580 L (153.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths1010
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 47.7
20.93
Jeanneau Yacht 53
18.79
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 47.7
36.52
Jeanneau Yacht 53
32.26
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 47.7
0.76
Jeanneau Yacht 53
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 47.7
14.02
Jeanneau Yacht 53
13.91

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 47.7 and Jeanneau Yacht 53 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Yacht 53 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The Beneteau First 47.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 47.7 measures 14.69m (48.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the Jeanneau Yacht 53 at 16.06m (52.7ft) with a 4.70m beam. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 is 1.37m longer than the Beneteau First 47.7. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 displaces approximately 35% 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53, with an SA/D of 18.79 and 115.0 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7 and 32.3% for the Jeanneau Yacht 53, 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 580L water and 300L 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: 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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