The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 vs Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 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 390 1987 measures 38,2 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 6,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 32,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 tips the scales at 14 330 lbs — 2 568 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 11 762 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 Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 carries 169 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 has a documented displacement of 14 330 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 draws 5,5 ft, compared to 2,0 ft for the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008. That 3,5-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.

The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 58 gallons on the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.