The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 vs Beneteau Sense 55 2016 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 Sense 55 2016 measures 58,4 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 26,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 31,6 feet (1997). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 tips the scales at 39 474 lbs — 31 207 lbs less than the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 8 267 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 120 hp, the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 has a 99-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 31.7 1997's 21-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 carries 11 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. 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 Sense 55 2016 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 displaces 39 474 lbs — a 31 207-lb difference over the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 8 267 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 — 6,2 ft and 7,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Sense 55 2016. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 carries a 120-hp engine against 21 hp on the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 9,7 knots for the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 and 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 carries 169 gallons versus 42 gallons on the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.