The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 measures 36,4 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 29,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 tips the scales at 13 349 lbs — 5 194 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 8 155 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 has a 270-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008's 30-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 displaces 13 349 lbs — a 5 194-lb difference over the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 8 155 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
For auxiliary power the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 carries a 300-hp engine against 30 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 13 349 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 8 155 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.