The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005 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 9,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005 at 30,0 feet (2005). At 9 523 lbs and 9 480 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005 carries a rated maximum of 260 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 9.80 2005 caps at 9. 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 — 9 523 lbs for the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005 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.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First Class 12 1986 draws 6,9 ft, compared to 2,7 ft for the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005. That 4,2-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.

The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2005 has a documented auxiliary engine of 260 hp.