The Beneteau First 44.7 2004 vs Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 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 Oceanis 46 2014 measures 47,2 feet overall (2014), giving it roughly 3,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 2004 at 44,1 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 tips the scales at 23 292 lbs — 1 224 lbs less than the Beneteau First 44.7 2004 at 22 068 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 44.7 2004 and 75 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014. 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 — 53 gal and 53 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau First 44.7 2004 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 22 068 lbs for the Beneteau First 44.7 2004 and 23 292 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014. 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 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 44.7 2004 is rigged as a Sloop while the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 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. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 carries a 75-hp engine against 60 hp on the Beneteau First 44.7 2004. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 44.7 2004 carries 106 gallons versus 14 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 46 2014 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.