The Beneteau First 45F5 1990 vs Beneteau First 47.7 1999 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 45F5 1990 at 46,7 ft versus Beneteau First 47.7 1999 at 48,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 tips the scales at 26 687 lbs — 3 538 lbs less than the Beneteau First 45F5 1990 at 23 149 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 100 hp, the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 has a 50-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 45F5 1990's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 carries 62 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Beneteau First 45F5 1990. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 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 47.7 1999 displaces 26 687 lbs — a 3 538-lb difference over the Beneteau First 45F5 1990 at 23 149 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 7,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 45F5 1990 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 carries a 100-hp engine against 50 hp on the Beneteau First 45F5 1990. 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 8,6 knots for the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 and 8,1 knots for the Beneteau First 45F5 1990.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 47.7 1999 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 26 687 lbs displacement and 48 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 45F5 1990 at 23 149 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.