The Beneteau First 456 1982 vs Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 7,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 at 39,3 feet (1986). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 456 1982 tips the scales at 26 455 lbs — 16 975 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 at 9 480 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 456 1982 carries a rated maximum of 80 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

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 Class 12 1986 caps at 11. 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 16 975-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 at 9 480 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 — 7,1 ft and 6,9 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 456 1982 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 456 1982 has a documented auxiliary engine of 80 hp.