The Beneteau First 35S5 1988 vs Beneteau First 36.7 2002 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 35S5 1988 at 35,5 ft versus Beneteau First 36.7 2002 at 36,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 tips the scales at 12 941 lbs - 1 477 lbs less 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 35S5 1988 and 29 hp for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 19 gal and 20 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 - 11 464 lbs for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 and 12 941 lbs for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 draws 7,2 ft, compared to 5,1 ft for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. That 2,1-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Beneteau First 35S5 1988 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 uses a 1 tiller versus a 1 wheel on the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 7,4 knots for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 and 7,3 knots for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 35S5 1988 and Beneteau First 36.7 2002 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.