The Beneteau Antares 11 2020 vs Beneteau First 18 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 Antares 11 2020 measures 32,6 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 14,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 18,0 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 tips the scales at 13 451 lbs — 12 349 lbs more than the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 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 Antares 11 2020 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 18 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 Antares 11 2020 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau First 18 2018 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Antares 11 2020 displaces 13 451 lbs — a 12 349-lb difference over the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 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 — 2,7 ft and 3,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Antares 11 2020 has a documented auxiliary engine of 300 hp.
The Beneteau First 18 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 Antares 11 2020 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 13 451 lbs displacement and 33 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.