Beneteau First 285 vs O'Day 28
How do the Beneteau First 285 and O'Day 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 285 
O'Day 28 | Beneteau First 285 | O'Day 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.2 ft8.58 m | 28.3 ft8.61 m |
| Waterline length | 24.3 ft7.39 m | 22.9 ft6.99 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 10.3 ft3.12 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.60 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 6,160 lb2,794 kg | 7,300 lb3,311 kg |
| Ballast | 2,115 lb959 kg | 2,550 lb1,157 kg |
| Sail area | 340 ft²31.6 m² | 370 ft²34.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.19 | 15.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 193 | 271 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.8 | 20.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.4 |
Beneteau First 285 vs O'Day 28: the short version
- The Beneteau First 285 and O'Day 28 are close in length (28.2 ft8.58 m vs 28.3 ft8.61 m ).
- The O'Day 28 is heavier, displacing about 19% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 285 carries the more powerful rig (16.2 vs 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The O'Day 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the O'Day 28 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.