Beneteau First 18 2018 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First 18 2018
2018
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VS
Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023
2023
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Beneteau First 18 2018 vs Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First 18 2018 vs Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 18 2018 at 18,0 ft versus Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 at 18,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 tips the scales at 2 654 lbs — 1 552 lbs less than the Beneteau First 18 2018 at 1 102 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 Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 tops out at 140 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First 18 2018 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 1 102 lbs for the Beneteau First 18 2018 and 2 654 lbs for the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,7 ft and 2,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 18 2018 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 has a documented auxiliary engine of 140 hp.

The Beneteau First 18 2018 is trailerable, giving it a significant lifestyle advantage for sailors who want to move between lakes, rivers, and coastal waters without committing to a marina slip.

Bottom line: The Beneteau First 18 2018 and Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail18.00 ft
Length overall - Detail18.10 ft
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18.1
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.52
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches217
Beam7.10 ft
Beam7.40 ft
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches89
Draft [max] - Detail3.70 ft
Draft [max] - Detail2.70 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.13
Draft [max] - Meters0.82
Draft [max] - Inches44
Draft [max] - Inches32
Displacement1102.00 lbs
Displacement2654.00 lbs
Draft Minnot available
Draft Min1.40 ft
Body / Hull
Rudder2 transom hung rudders
Ruddernot available
Helm1 tiller
Helmnot available
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available
TrailerableYes
Trailerablenot available
RiggingSloop
Riggingnot available
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Mast Configurationnot available
Boat typeSail
Boat typePower
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity13
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower140 hp

Beneteau First 18 2018 vs Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau First 18 2018 or the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023?
The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 is the longer of the two at 18,1 feet overall. The Beneteau First 18 2018 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Beneteau First 18 2018 or the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023?
For trailering, the Beneteau First 18 2018 has the edge at 1 102 lbs dry weight versus 2 654 lbs for the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 has a documented max rating of 140 hp. Engine specifications for the Beneteau First 18 2018 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau First 18 2018 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 is certified for 5. 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 First 18 2018 or the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023?
The Beneteau First 18 2018 has the deeper draft at 3,7 ft, versus 2,7 ft for the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023. 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 First 18 2018 or the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 at 2 654 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 18 2018 at 1 102 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the Beneteau First 18 2018 be trailered?
The Beneteau First 18 2018 is listed as trailerable, giving owners the flexibility to launch from any suitable ramp and avoid permanent berthing costs. The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 is not listed as trailerable — it will need a marina berth or mooring.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 measures 89" wide, compared to 85" for the Beneteau First 18 2018. 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 First 18 2018 and Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau First 18 2018 and the Beneteau Flyer 6 Spacedeck 2023 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.