The Beneteau First 285 1987 vs Beneteau First Class 10 1987 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 Class 10 1987 measures 34,3 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 6,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 285 1987 at 28,1 feet (1987). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 tips the scales at 6 900 lbs — 1 499 lbs less than the Beneteau First 285 1987 at 5 401 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 285 1987 carries a rated maximum of 18 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 285 1987 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 5 401 lbs for the Beneteau First 285 1987 and 6 900 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987. 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 — 5,4 ft and 5,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 285 1987 is rigged as a Sloop while the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 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 285 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.