2013 Beneteau Sense 50 vs 2015 Elan 450 — Comparison

2013 Beneteau Sense 50
VS
2015 Elan 450

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2013 Beneteau Sense 502015 Elan 450
General
ManufacturerBeneteauElan
Year2013–20182015–2019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerBerret-RacoupeauRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA15.42 m (50.6 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
LWL13.80 m (45.3 ft)12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Beam4.70 m (15.4 ft)4.28 m (14.0 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)10,800 kg (23,810 lbs)
Ballast4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area105.0 m² (1,130 ft²)95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
18.36
2015 Elan 450
19.75
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
28.57
2015 Elan 450
32.41
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
0.78
2015 Elan 450
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2013 Beneteau Sense 50
13.41
2015 Elan 450
14.84

Detailed Comparison

The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 2015 Elan 450 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2015 Elan 450 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 was penned by Berret-Racoupeau. The 2015 Elan 450 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 2015 Elan 450 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is 1.57m longer than the 2015 Elan 450. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 displaces approximately 30% 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 2015 Elan 450, with an SA/D of 19.75 and 95.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2015 Elan 450 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 2015 Elan 450 has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 32.4% for the 2015 Elan 450, 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 2015 Elan 450 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2015 Elan 450 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 2015 Elan 450 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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Or view individual specs: 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 · 2015 Elan 450