The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 vs Beneteau First Class 10 1987 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 36.7 2002 at 36,0 ft versus Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 34,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 tips the scales at 12 941 lbs — 6 041 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 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 36.7 2002 carries a rated maximum of 29 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
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.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 displaces 12 941 lbs — a 6 041-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 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.
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 5,8 ft for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987. That 1,5-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 36.7 2002 is rigged as a Sloop while the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 carries Fractional Sloop rigging — a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 has a documented auxiliary engine of 29 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 941 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.