The Beneteau First 345 1983 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 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 345 1983 at 36,1 feet (1983). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 345 1983 tips the scales at 11 244 lbs - 1 764 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 345 1983 carries a rated maximum of 18 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.

Both boats are rated for 11 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 - 11 244 lbs for the Beneteau First 345 1983 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 - 6,2 ft and 6,9 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 345 1983 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 345 1983 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.