The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977 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 8.80 2011 at 29,3 ft versus Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977 at 29,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977 tips the scales at 8 995 lbs — 840 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 8 155 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 has a 280-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977's 20-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 carries 106 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 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 — 8 155 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 and 8 995 lbs for the Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
For auxiliary power the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 carries a 300-hp engine against 20 hp on the Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 and Beneteau First 30 Fin keel 1977 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.