The Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 vs Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 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 Evasion 36 1990 measures 35,5 feet overall (1990), giving it roughly 9,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 at 26,1 feet (1977). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 tips the scales at 12 125 lbs — 6 062 lbs less than the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 at 6 063 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 25 1977 and 43 hp for the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 carries 45 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 displaces 12 125 lbs — a 6 062-lb difference over the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 at 6 063 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,1 ft and 4,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 carries a 43-hp engine against 25 hp on the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977. 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 7,6 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 and 6,0 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 carries 119 gallons versus 24 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Evasion 36 1990 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 125 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Evasion 25 1977 at 6 063 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.