The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 vs Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011 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 49 2011 measures 51,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 27,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 at 23,5 feet (1986). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011 tips the scales at 25 566 lbs — 21 532 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 2 hp for the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011. 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 49 2011 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 has a documented displacement of 4 034 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 has a documented auxiliary engine of 10 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 235 Fin keel 1986 carries 13 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2011 at 51,2 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.