2003 Hunter 41 AC vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Hunter 41 AC | Beneteau First 44.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 73.2 m² (788 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Hunter 41 AC and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC measures 12.50m (41.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 0.98m longer than the 2003 Hunter 41 AC. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 73.2 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Hunter 41 AC 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 44.7 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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Or view individual specs: 2003 Hunter 41 AC · Beneteau First 44.7