Beneteau First 235 vs Precision 23
How do the Beneteau First 235 and Precision 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 235 
Precision 23 | Beneteau First 235 | Precision 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.3 ft7.11 m | 23.4 ft7.14 m |
| Waterline length | 20.3 ft6.17 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.49 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.16 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 2,826 lb1,282 kg | 2,450 lb1,111 kg |
| Ballast | 825 lb374 kg | 850 lb386 kg |
| Sail area | 249 ft²23.1 m² | 247 ft²22.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.93 | 21.75 |
| Displacement / Length | 152 | 137 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.6 | 10.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 2.52 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Beneteau First 235 vs Precision 23: the short version
- The Beneteau First 235 and Precision 23 are close in length (23.3 ft7.11 m vs 23.4 ft7.14 m ).
- The Beneteau First 235 is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Precision 23 carries the more powerful rig (21.7 vs 19.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau First 235 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau First 235 rates better for offshore work (2.31 vs 2.52).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.