The Beneteau Antares 11 2020 vs Beneteau First 31.7 1997 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 11 2020 at 32,6 ft versus Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 31,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 tips the scales at 13 451 lbs — 5 184 lbs more than the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 8 267 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 has a 279-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 31.7 1997's 21-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 carries 212 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Antares 11 2020 displaces 13 451 lbs — a 5 184-lb difference over the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 8 267 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.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 draws 6,2 ft, compared to 2,7 ft for the Beneteau Antares 11 2020. That 3,5-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.
For auxiliary power the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 carries a 300-hp engine against 21 hp on the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Antares 11 2020 carries 53 gallons versus 42 gallons on the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
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 31.7 1997 at 8 267 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.