2013 Beneteau Sense 50 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

2013 Beneteau Sense 50
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2013 Beneteau Sense 502004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerBeneteauOyster
Year2013–20182004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUnited Kingdom
DesignerBerret-RacoupeauRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA15.42 m (50.6 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL13.80 m (45.3 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam4.70 m (15.4 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
18.36
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
28.57
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
0.78
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
13.41
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 was penned by Berret-Racoupeau. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 measures 15.42m (50.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.70m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is 1.40m longer than the 2004 Oyster 46. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.36 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 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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