Beneteau First 235 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit
How do the Beneteau First 235 and Beneteau First 260 Spirit compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 235 
Beneteau First 260 Spirit | Beneteau First 235 | Beneteau First 260 Spirit | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.3 ft7.11 m | 24.6 ft7.49 m |
| Waterline length | 20.3 ft6.17 m | 24.1 ft7.35 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.49 m | 9.1 ft2.76 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.16 m | 6.1 ft1.85 m |
| Displacement | 2,826 lb1,282 kg | 4,740 lb2,150 kg |
| Ballast | 825 lb374 kg | 1,433 lb650 kg |
| Sail area | 249 ft²23.1 m² | 349 ft²32.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.93 | 19.79 |
| Displacement / Length | 152 | 151 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.6 | 16.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 2.16 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.6 |
Beneteau First 235 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit: the short version
- The Beneteau First 260 Spirit is the larger boat at 24.6 ft7.49 m LOA versus 23.3 ft7.11 m for the Beneteau First 235.
- The Beneteau First 260 Spirit is heavier, displacing about 68% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 235 carries the more powerful rig (19.9 vs 19.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau First 260 Spirit scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau First 260 Spirit rates better for offshore work (2.16 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.