The Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008 vs Beneteau First 285 1987 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.

The Beneteau First 285 1987 tops out at 18 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008 carries 396 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Beneteau First 285 1987. 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 13.80 2008 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau First 285 1987 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First 285 1987 has a documented displacement of 5 401 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 285 1987 draws 5,4 ft, compared to 3,0 ft for the Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008. That 2,4-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 285 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Antares 13.80 2008 carries 169 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Beneteau First 285 1987 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.