Beneteau First 24 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 24 | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Freedom |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.20 m (23.6 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.45 m (21.2 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.40 m (4.6 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 460 kg (1,014 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 24 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 24 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Beneteau First 24 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 24 measures 7.20m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1982 Freedom 28 is 1.33m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The 1982 Freedom 28 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 24 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 21.93 and 27.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Freedom 28 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 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1982 Freedom 28 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 24 · 1982 Freedom 28