The Beneteau Antares 8 2022 vs Beneteau First 22 1978 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 2022 measures 26,5 feet overall (2022), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 22 1978 at 22,1 feet (1978). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 tips the scales at 5 609 lbs — 1 663 lbs more than the Beneteau First 22 1978 at 3 946 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 250 hp, the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 has a 240-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 22 1978's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Antares 8 2022 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau First 22 1978 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 2022 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 5 609 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 and 3 946 lbs for the Beneteau First 22 1978. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 2,7 ft and 3,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

For auxiliary power the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 carries a 250-hp engine against 10 hp on the Beneteau First 22 1978. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

The Beneteau First 22 1978 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 carries 26 gallons versus 13 gallons on the Beneteau First 22 1978 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.