The Beneteau First 38 1982 vs Beneteau First 456 1982 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 456 1982 measures 46,7 feet overall (1982), giving it roughly 6,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 38 1982 at 40,2 feet (1982). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 456 1982 tips the scales at 26 455 lbs — 10 802 lbs less than the Beneteau First 38 1982 at 15 653 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 — 60 hp for the Beneteau First 38 1982 and 80 hp for the Beneteau First 456 1982. 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 456 1982 carries 53 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Beneteau First 38 1982. 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 First 456 1982 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau First 38 1982 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 456 1982 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First 456 1982 displaces 26 455 lbs — a 10 802-lb difference over the Beneteau First 38 1982 at 15 653 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.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,1 ft and 7,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 38 1982 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 456 1982 carries a 80-hp engine against 60 hp on the Beneteau First 38 1982. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 8,4 knots for the Beneteau First 456 1982 and 7,8 knots for the Beneteau First 38 1982.