Beneteau First 265 vs Nash 26
How do the Beneteau First 265 and Nash 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 265 
Nash 26 | Beneteau First 265 | Nash 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.0 ft7.92 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 24.2 ft7.37 m | 21.3 ft6.48 m |
| Beam | 9.4 ft2.87 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.50 m | 3.8 ft1.17 m |
| Displacement | 4,800 lb2,177 kg | 5,200 lb2,359 kg |
| Ballast | 1,430 lb649 kg | 2,100 lb953 kg |
| Sail area | 323 ft²30.0 m² | 288 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.16 | 15.35 |
| Displacement / Length | 152 | 242 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.1 | 20.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.23 | 1.96 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.2 |
Beneteau First 265 vs Nash 26: the short version
- The Beneteau First 265 and Nash 26 are close in length (26.0 ft7.92 m vs 26.0 ft7.92 m ).
- The Nash 26 is heavier, displacing about 8% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 265 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 vs 15.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nash 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nash 26 rates better for offshore work (1.96 vs 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.