The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 12 1986 measures 39,3 feet overall (1986), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 29,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 tips the scales at 9 480 lbs - 1 325 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 Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 12 1986 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket - 8 155 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 and 9 480 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986. 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 8.80 2011 has a documented auxiliary engine of 300 hp.