Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First Class Challange 1989
1989
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VS
Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016
2016
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Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 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.

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 has a documented displacement of 5 291 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 uses Fractional Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 has a documented auxiliary engine of 300 hp.

Bottom line: The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 at 39,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 30,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail29.99 ft
Length overall - Detail39.00 ft
Length - Feet29.99
Length - Feet39
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Meters11.89
Length overall - Inches360
Length overall - Inches468
Beam10.66 ft
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters3.25
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches128
Beam - Inchesnot available
Displacement5291.00 lbs
Displacementnot available
Operational Info
RiggingFractional Sloop
Riggingnot available
Boat typeSail
Boat typePower
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity53
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal172
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters651.09
Engine makenot available
Engine makeVolvo Penta
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelD4-300ZD Diesel Joystick
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeinboard
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Engine MakeVolvo Penta
Engine 2 Engine Modelnot available
Engine 2 Engine ModelD4-300ZD Diesel Joystick
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Horsepower300 hp
Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available
Engine 2 Fuel TypeDiesel
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard

Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 or the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016?
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 is the longer of the two at 39,0 feet overall. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 comes in at 30,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 is certified for 11. 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.
Are the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 and Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 and the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2016 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.