The Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 vs Beneteau First Class Challange 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 measures 30,0 feet overall (1989), giving it roughly 8,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 at 21,3 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 tips the scales at 5 291 lbs — 1 842 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 at 3 449 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 Challange 1989 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 First Class Challange 1989 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 449 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 and 5 291 lbs for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

The Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 has a documented auxiliary engine of 150 hp.