Beneteau First 25S vs Merit 25
How do the Beneteau First 25S and Merit 25 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 25S 
Merit 25 | Beneteau First 25S | Merit 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.6 ft7.49 m | 24.5 ft7.47 m |
| Waterline length | 24.1 ft7.35 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 6.1 ft1.85 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 4,740 lb2,150 kg | 2,900 lb1,315 kg |
| Ballast | 1,433 lb650 kg | 1,050 lb476 kg |
| Sail area | 358 ft²33.3 m² | 275 ft²25.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.30 | 21.64 |
| Displacement / Length | 151 | 162 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 13.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.24 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.0 |
Beneteau First 25S vs Merit 25: the short version
- The Beneteau First 25S and Merit 25 are close in length (24.6 ft7.49 m vs 24.5 ft7.47 m ).
- The Beneteau First 25S is heavier, displacing about 63% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Merit 25 carries the more powerful rig (21.6 vs 20.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau First 25S scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau First 25S rates better for offshore work (2.14 vs 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.