The Beneteau First 36S7 1995 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 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 Gran Turismo 40 2020 measures 41,7 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 6,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 at 35,1 feet (1995). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 tips the scales at 17 489 lbs — 4 702 lbs less than the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 at 12 787 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 Gran Turismo 40 2020 tops out at 280 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 carries 172 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Beneteau First 36S7 1995. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 displaces 17 489 lbs — a 4 702-lb difference over the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 at 12 787 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.
The Beneteau First 36S7 1995 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 has a documented auxiliary engine of 280 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 carries 79 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 17 489 lbs displacement and 42 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 36S7 1995 at 12 787 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.