The Beneteau First 47.7 1999 vs Beneteau First 51 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 51 1986 measures 51,4 feet overall (1986), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 at 48,1 feet (1999). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 51 1986 tips the scales at 28 660 lbs — 1 973 lbs less than the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 at 26 687 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 — 100 hp for the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 and 80 hp for the Beneteau First 51 1986. 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 51 1986 carries 185 gallons versus 62 gallons in the Beneteau First 47.7 1999. 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 51 1986 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 51 1986 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 26 687 lbs for the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 and 28 660 lbs for the Beneteau First 51 1986. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 51 1986 draws 9,2 ft, compared to 7,8 ft for the Beneteau First 47.7 1999. That 1,4-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.

The Beneteau First 47.7 1999 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau First 51 1986. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 carries a 100-hp engine against 80 hp on the Beneteau First 51 1986. 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 8,8 knots for the Beneteau First 51 1986 and 8,6 knots for the Beneteau First 47.7 1999. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 47.7 1999 carries 164 gallons versus 74 gallons on the Beneteau First 51 1986 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.