The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 vs Beneteau First 26 1984 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 235 Fin keel 1986 at 23,5 ft versus Beneteau First 26 1984 at 26,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 26 1984 tips the scales at 4 409 lbs — 375 lbs less than the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 at 4 034 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 — 10 hp for the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 and 8 hp for the Beneteau First 26 1984. 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.
Both boats are rated for 7 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 — 4 034 lbs for the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 and 4 409 lbs for the Beneteau First 26 1984. 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 26 1984 draws 4,4 ft, compared to 3,1 ft for the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986. That 1,3-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 235 Fin keel 1986 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,4 knots for the Beneteau First 26 1984 and 6,1 knots for the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 26 1984 at 26,1 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 at 23,5 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.