The Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 vs Beneteau First 32S5 1989 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 at 35,0 ft versus Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 32,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 tips the scales at 12 875 lbs - 1 631 lbs more than the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 11 244 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 First 32S5 1989 tops out at 28 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 carries 169 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Beneteau First 32S5 1989. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 has a documented displacement of 11 244 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 draws 5,7 ft, compared to 2,0 ft for the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008. That 3,7-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 has a documented auxiliary engine of 28 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 carries 85 gallons versus 40 gallons on the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Antares 10.80 2008 at 35,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 32,6 ft is the easier, lower-cost option - simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.