The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 vs Beneteau First 285 1987 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 285 1987 measures 28,1 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 6,0 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 285 1987 tips the scales at 5 401 lbs — 1 433 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 18 hp for the Beneteau First 285 1987. 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 285 1987 is rated for 8 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 285 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 968 lbs for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 and 5 401 lbs for the Beneteau First 285 1987. 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 285 1987 draws 5,4 ft, compared to 3,4 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. That 2,0-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 18 hp on the Beneteau First 285 1987. 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 6,6 knots for the Beneteau First 285 1987 and 5,9 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 285 1987 carries 26 gallons versus 13 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.