The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 vs Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 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 Evasion 22 1980 at 22,1 ft versus Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 tips the scales at 3 968 lbs — 1 223 lbs more than the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 2 745 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 25 hp for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 and 11 hp for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 6 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 — 3 968 lbs for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 and 2 745 lbs for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. 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 21.7 Swing keel 2004 draws 5,1 ft, compared to 3,4 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. That 1,7-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 Evasion 22 1980 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 carries a 25-hp engine against 11 hp on the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. 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 21.7 Swing keel 2004 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues. Hull speed is rated at 6,0 knots for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 and 5,9 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980.