The Beneteau First 325 1984 vs Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 12 1986 measures 39,3 feet overall (1986), giving it roughly 5,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 325 1984 at 34,1 feet (1984). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 325 1984 tips the scales at 9 700 lbs - 220 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 at 9 480 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 325 1984 carries a rated maximum of 28 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 12 1986 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 325 1984 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket - 9 700 lbs for the Beneteau First 325 1984 and 9 480 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986. 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 - 6,1 ft and 6,9 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 325 1984 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 325 1984 has a documented auxiliary engine of 28 hp.