The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau First Class 7 1985 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 8.80 2011 measures 29,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 at 21,5 feet (1985). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 tips the scales at 8 155 lbs — 6 180 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 at 1 975 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 7 1985 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 8.80 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 displaces 8 155 lbs — a 6 180-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class 7 1985 at 1 975 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.

The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 has a documented auxiliary engine of 300 hp.

The Beneteau First Class 7 1985 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues.