The Beneteau First 27 2018 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 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 2018 at 26,2 ft versus Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 25,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 27 2018 tips the scales at 3 042 lbs — 463 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 2 579 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 27 2018 carries a rated maximum of 10 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
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 — 3 042 lbs for the Beneteau First 27 2018 and 2 579 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008. 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 — 6,5 ft and 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 27 2018 is rigged as a Sloop while the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 carries Fractional Sloop rigging — a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. The Beneteau First 27 2018 has a documented auxiliary engine of 10 hp.
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.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 27 2018 and Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 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.