The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 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 Figaro 2 2003 measures 33,4 feet overall (2003), giving it roughly 5,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 285 1987 at 28,1 feet (1987). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 tips the scales at 7 937 lbs — 2 536 lbs more than the Beneteau First 285 1987 at 5 401 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 — 20 hp for the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 carries 11 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Beneteau First 285 1987. 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 Figaro 2 2003 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 285 1987 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 displaces 7 937 lbs — a 2 536-lb difference over the Beneteau First 285 1987 at 5 401 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 Figaro 2 2003 draws 7,1 ft, compared to 5,4 ft for the Beneteau First 285 1987. That 1,7-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 Figaro 2 2003 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 7,6 knots for the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 and 6,6 knots for the Beneteau First 285 1987.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 7 937 lbs displacement and 33 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 285 1987 at 5 401 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.