The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 vs Beneteau First 26 1984 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 26 1984 measures 26,1 feet overall (1984), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 22,1 feet (1980). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 26 1984 tips the scales at 4 409 lbs — 441 lbs less than the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 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 8 hp for the Beneteau First 26 1984. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First 26 1984 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 26 1984 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 968 lbs for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 and 4 409 lbs for the Beneteau First 26 1984. 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 26 1984 draws 4,4 ft, compared to 3,4 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. That 1,0-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 8 hp on the Beneteau First 26 1984. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 6,4 knots for the Beneteau First 26 1984 and 5,9 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980.