The Beneteau Antares 6 0 vs Beneteau First 18 SE 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau Antares 6 0 at 18,1 ft versus Beneteau First 18 SE 2018 at 18,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 6 0 tips the scales at 3 086 lbs — 1 984 lbs more than the Beneteau First 18 SE 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 6 0 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 18 SE 2018 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 — 3 086 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 6 0 and 1 102 lbs for the Beneteau First 18 SE 2018. 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 18 SE 2018 draws 7,0 ft, compared to 1,1 ft for the Beneteau Antares 6 0. That 5,9-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 0 has a documented auxiliary engine of 115 hp.

The Beneteau First 18 SE 2018 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues.