The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 vs Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 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 Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 measures 44,3 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 23,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 21,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 tips the scales at 19 616 lbs — 16 871 lbs less than the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 2 745 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 — 11 hp for the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 and 2 hp for the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012. 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 Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 is rated for 13 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 Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 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.
The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 has a documented auxiliary engine of 11 hp.
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.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 44 2012 at 44,3 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.