Beneteau First 265 vs Discovery 7.9
How do the Beneteau First 265 and Discovery 7.9 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 265 
Discovery 7.9 | Beneteau First 265 | Discovery 7.9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.0 ft7.92 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 24.2 ft7.37 m | 21.8 ft6.63 m |
| Beam | 9.4 ft2.87 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.50 m | 3.8 ft1.14 m |
| Displacement | 4,800 lb2,177 kg | 5,100 lb2,313 kg |
| Ballast | 1,430 lb649 kg | 2,300 lb1,043 kg |
| Sail area | 323 ft²30.0 m² | 323 ft²30.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.16 | 17.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 152 | 221 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.1 | 20.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.23 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.2 |
Beneteau First 265 vs Discovery 7.9: the short version
- The Beneteau First 265 and Discovery 7.9 are close in length (26.0 ft7.92 m vs 26.0 ft7.92 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 265 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 vs 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Discovery 7.9 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Discovery 7.9 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.