The Beneteau First 22 1978 vs Beneteau First 24 2018 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 22 1978 at 22,1 ft versus Beneteau First 24 2018 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 22 1978 tips the scales at 3 946 lbs — 1 984 lbs more than the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 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 First 22 1978 carries a rated maximum of 10 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First 24 2018 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First 24 2018 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Beneteau First 22 1978 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 24 2018 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 946 lbs for the Beneteau First 22 1978 and 1 962 lbs for the Beneteau First 24 2018. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 24 2018 draws 6,7 ft, compared to 3,6 ft for the Beneteau First 22 1978. That 3,1-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 22 1978 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 22 1978 has a documented auxiliary engine of 10 hp.

Both the Beneteau First 22 1978 and Beneteau First 24 2018 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.