Beneteau First Class 10 1987 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First Class 10 1987
1987
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VS
Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008
2008
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Beneteau First Class 10 1987 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 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 Class 10 1987 measures 34,3 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 8,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 25,9 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 tips the scales at 6 900 lbs — 4 321 lbs more than the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 2 579 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 displaces 6 900 lbs — a 4 321-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 2 579 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 — 5,8 ft and 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 uses Fractional Sloop rigging.

Bottom line: The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 6 900 lbs displacement and 34 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 2 579 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail34.33 ft
Length overall - Detail25.92 ft
Length - Feet34.33
Length - Feet25.92
Length overall - Meters10.46
Length overall - Meters7.9
Length overall - Inches412
Length overall - Inches311
Beam9.67 ft
Beam8.33 ft
Beam - Meters2.95
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches116
Beam - Inches100
Draft [max] - Detail5.75 ft
Draft [max] - Detail6.73 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.75
Draft [max] - Meters2.05
Draft [max] - Inches69
Draft [max] - Inches81
Displacement6900.00 lbs
Displacement2579.00 lbs
Draft Minnot available
Draft Min2.95 ft
Operational Info
RiggingFractional Sloop
RiggingFractional Sloop
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

Beneteau First Class 10 1987 vs Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008?
The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is the longer of the two at 34,3 feet overall. The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 comes in at 25,9 feet, making it roughly 8,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008?
For trailering, the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 has the edge at 2 579 lbs dry weight versus 6 900 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the deeper draft — the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008?
The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 has the deeper draft at 6,7 ft, versus 5,8 ft for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.
Is the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 or the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 at 2 579 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 measures 116" wide, compared to 100" for the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 and Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 and the Beneteau First Class 7.5 2008 are built by Beneteau. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.