The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 vs Beneteau First 34.7 2005 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 50 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 has a 29-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 34.7 2005's 21-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 carries 40 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Beneteau First 34.7 2005. 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 First 34.7 2005 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 has a documented displacement of 8 818 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 34.7 2005 draws 6,7 ft, compared to 4,1 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981. 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 29 1981 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 carries a 50-hp engine against 21 hp on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005. 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 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 and 6,7 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 carries 53 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 34.7 2005 at 34,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 at 30,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.