The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 vs Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 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 27 SE 2011 at 26,3 ft versus Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 at 26,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 tips the scales at 4 961 lbs — 1 544 lbs less than the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 at 3 417 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 has a 340-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 3 417 lbs for the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 and 4 961 lbs for the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,1 ft and 2,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
For auxiliary power the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 carries a 350-hp engine against 10 hp on the Beneteau First 27 SE 2011. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 27 SE 2011 and Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck 2022 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.