The Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 vs Beneteau First 24 2018 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 28 1975 measures 27,1 feet overall (1975), giving it roughly 3,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 24,0 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 tips the scales at 9 480 lbs — 7 518 lbs more than the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 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.
The Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 carries a rated maximum of 30 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 24 2018 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 Evasion 28 1975 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau First 24 2018 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 28 1975 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 displaces 9 480 lbs — a 7 518-lb difference over the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 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.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 24 2018 draws 6,7 ft, compared to 4,1 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 28 1975. That 2,6-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 28 1975 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 uses a 1 wheel versus a 1 tiller on the Beneteau First 24 2018. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 has a documented auxiliary engine of 30 hp.
The Beneteau First 24 2018 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Evasion 28 1975 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 9 480 lbs displacement and 27 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.