The Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 vs Beneteau First Class 7 1985 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 6.80 2012 at 21,3 ft versus Beneteau First Class 7 1985 at 21,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 tips the scales at 3 449 lbs — 1 474 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 at 1 975 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 6.80 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
Both boats are rated for 6 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.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 449 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 and 1 975 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 7 1985. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First Class 7 1985 draws 4,9 ft, compared to 1,5 ft for the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012. That 3,4-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 Antares 6.80 2012 has a documented auxiliary engine of 150 hp.
The Beneteau First Class 7 1985 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 6.80 2012 and Beneteau First Class 7 1985 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.