Beneteau First 210 1997 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First 210 1997
1997
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VS
Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008
2008
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Beneteau First 210 1997 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First 210 1997 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Beneteau First 210 1997 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 Class 7.5 2008 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 has a documented displacement of 2 579 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,8 ft and 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.

Bottom line: The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 25,9 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 210 1997 at 20,3 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail20.34 ft
Length overall - Detail25.92 ft
Length - Feet20.34
Length - Feet25.92
Length overall - Meters6.2
Length overall - Meters7.9
Length overall - Inches244
Length overall - Inches311
Beam8.14 ft
Beam8.33 ft
Beam - Meters2.48
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches100
Draft [max] - Detail5.83 ft
Draft [max] - Detail6.73 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.78
Draft [max] - Meters2.05
Draft [max] - Inches70
Draft [max] - Inches81
Draft Min2.33 ft
Draft Min2.95 ft
Displacementnot available
Displacement2579.00 lbs
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity4
Sleeping capacitynot available
Cabins1
Cabinsnot available
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail
Riggingnot available
RiggingFractional Sloop

Beneteau First 210 1997 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau First 210 1997 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008?
The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 is the longer of the two at 25,9 feet overall. The Beneteau First 210 1997 comes in at 20,3 feet, making it roughly 5,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau First 210 1997 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 is certified for 7. 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 210 1997 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008?
The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 has the deeper draft at 6,7 ft, versus 5,8 ft for the Beneteau First 210 1997. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Beneteau First 210 1997. 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 210 1997 and Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau First 210 1997 and the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 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.