The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 11 hp for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 and 21 hp for the Beneteau First 34.7 2005. 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.
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 First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 caps at 6. 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 First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 has a documented displacement of 2 745 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 5,1 ft for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. That 1,6-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 First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 uses a 1 tiller versus a 1 wheel on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 carries a 21-hp engine against 11 hp on the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 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. Hull speed is rated at 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 and 6,0 knots for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 carries 26 gallons versus 9 gallons on the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 — 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 First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 21,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew, trailerable, and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.