Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980
1980
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VS
Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First 27 SE 2011
2011
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Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 vs Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 vs Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 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 34 Fin keel 1980 measures 35,1 feet overall (1980), giving it roughly 8,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 26,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 tips the scales at 12 125 lbs — 8 708 lbs more than the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 3 417 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 50 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 has a 40-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 displaces 12 125 lbs — a 8 708-lb difference over the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 3 417 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 Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 draws 5,1 ft, compared to 3,1 ft for the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011. 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 34 Fin keel 1980 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 carries a 50-hp engine against 10 hp on the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Bottom line: The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 125 lbs displacement and 35 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 3 417 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail35.10 ft
Length overall - Detail26.30 ft
Length - Feet35.1
Length - Feet26.3
Length overall - Meters10.7
Length overall - Meters8.02
Length overall - Inches421
Length overall - Inches316
Beam11.50 ft
Beam8.40 ft
Beam - Meters3.51
Beam - Meters2.56
Beam - Inches138
Beam - Inches101
Draft [max] - Detail5.10 ft
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.55
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches61
Draft [max] - Inches37
Displacement12125.00 lbs
Displacement3417.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Rudder1 rudder on skeg
Ruddernot available
Helm2 wheels
Helmnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52.8
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters199.87
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Horsepower50 hp
Horsepower10 hp
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeinboard
Drive typenot available
Performance
Maximum speed7.2
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed measureknots
Maximum speed measurenot available
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacity2
Cabins3
Cabins1
Head1
Head1
Water capacity79.3
Water capacitynot available
RiggingSloop
Riggingnot available
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Mast Configurationnot available
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 vs Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 or the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011?
The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 is the longer of the two at 35,1 feet overall. The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 comes in at 26,3 feet, making it roughly 8,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 or the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011?
For trailering, the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 has the edge at 3 417 lbs dry weight versus 12 125 lbs for the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the deeper draft — the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 or the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011?
The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 has the deeper draft at 5,1 ft, versus 3,1 ft for the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.
Is the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 or the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 at 12 125 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 3 417 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 measures 138" wide, compared to 101" for the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 and Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau Evasion 34 Fin keel 1980 and the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 are built by Beneteau. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.