The Beneteau First 35.7 1992 vs Beneteau First 35S5 1988 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 35.7 1992 at 35,7 ft versus Beneteau First 35S5 1988 at 35,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 35.7 1992 tips the scales at 11 684 lbs — 220 lbs more than the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 at 11 464 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 — 28 hp for the Beneteau First 35.7 1992 and 28 hp for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. 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 First 35.7 1992 carries 24 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 10 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 — 11 684 lbs for the Beneteau First 35.7 1992 and 11 464 lbs for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. 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 5,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 35.7 1992 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 7,5 knots for the Beneteau First 35.7 1992 and 7,3 knots for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 35.7 1992 carries 79 gallons versus 69 gallons on the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 35.7 1992 and Beneteau First 35S5 1988 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.