2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 vs Dufour 40 — Comparison

2010 Beneteau Oceanis 432010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
VS
Dufour 40Dufour 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43Dufour 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDufour
Year2010–20142007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe Finot-ConqUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA13.17 m (43.2 ft)12.05 m (39.5 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)10.55 m (34.6 ft)
Beam4.17 m (13.7 ft)3.85 m (12.6 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area80.0 m² (861 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine54 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
18.12
Dufour 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
31.58
Dufour 40
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
0.79
Dufour 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43
14.95
Dufour 40
16.44

Detailed Comparison

The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 and Dufour 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 40 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The Dufour 40 was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 measures 13.17m (43.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.17m, compared to the Dufour 40 at 12.05m (39.5ft) with a 3.85m beam. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 is 1.12m longer than the Dufour 40. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Dufour 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 and 30.8% for the Dufour 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Dufour 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 40 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 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 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: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 43 · Dufour 40