2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large | Beneteau First 44.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 2007–2012 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) |
| LWL | 11.12 m (36.5 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.01 m (13.2 ft) | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 77.0 m² (829 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 4.01m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The Beneteau First 44.7 is 0.71m longer than the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large. The Beneteau First 44.7 displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.08 and 77.0 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 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large 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: 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large · Beneteau First 44.7