The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 vs Beneteau First 24 2018 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 measures 34,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 24,0 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 tips the scales at 9 965 lbs - 8 003 lbs more than the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 carries a rated maximum of 21 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 24 2018 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 24 2018 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 displaces 9 965 lbs - a 8 003-lb difference over the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth - 6,7 ft and 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 uses a 1 wheel versus a 1 tiller on the Beneteau First 24 2018. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.
The Beneteau First 24 2018 is trailerable - a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues.
Bottom line: The Beneteau 34.7 Deep draft 2005 is the offshore and bluewater choice - at 9 965 lbs displacement and 34 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable - easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.