The Beneteau First 27 2018 vs Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983 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 First 29 Deep draft 1983 measures 29,6 feet overall (1983), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 27 2018 at 26,2 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983 tips the scales at 6 614 lbs — 3 572 lbs less than the Beneteau First 27 2018 at 3 042 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 27 2018 and 9 hp for the Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983. 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 First 29 Deep draft 1983 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau First 27 2018 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 29 Deep draft 1983 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983 displaces 6 614 lbs — a 3 572-lb difference over the Beneteau First 27 2018 at 3 042 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,5 ft and 5,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 27 2018 uses Sloop rigging.
The Beneteau First 27 2018 is trailerable, giving it a significant lifestyle advantage for sailors who want to move between lakes, rivers, and coastal waters without committing to a marina slip. Hull speed is rated at 6,9 knots for the Beneteau First 27 2018 and 6,7 knots for the Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 29 Deep draft 1983 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 6 614 lbs displacement and 30 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 27 2018 at 3 042 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.