The Beneteau First 30E 1981 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 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 Gran Turismo 44 2013 measures 44,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 13,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 30E 1981 at 31,1 feet (1981). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 30E 1981 tips the scales at 8 929 lbs — 6 686 lbs more than the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 at 2 243 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 — 15 hp for the Beneteau First 30E 1981 and 2 hp for the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 carries 106 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 30E 1981. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau First 30E 1981 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 30E 1981 has a documented displacement of 8 929 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 30E 1981 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 30E 1981 has a documented auxiliary engine of 15 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 30E 1981 carries 26 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 at 44,3 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 30E 1981 at 31,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.