The Beneteau Antares 7 2020 vs Beneteau First 18 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Antares 7 2020 measures 24,6 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 6,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 18,0 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 7 2020 tips the scales at 4 157 lbs — 3 055 lbs more than the Beneteau First 18 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 7 2020 carries a rated maximum of 200 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 18 2018 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 Antares 7 2020 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Beneteau First 18 2018 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Antares 7 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Antares 7 2020 displaces 4 157 lbs — a 3 055-lb difference over the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 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.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 2,7 ft and 3,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Antares 7 2020 has a documented auxiliary engine of 200 hp.
The Beneteau First 18 2018 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 7 2020 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 4 157 lbs displacement and 25 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.