The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 32,0 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 at 34,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 tips the scales at 11 762 lbs — 518 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 at 11 244 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 Clipper 331 1999 tops out at 30 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 19 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999. 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 Clipper 331 1999 is rated for 10 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 Clipper 331 1999 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 has a documented displacement of 11 244 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 Clipper 331 1999 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 Clipper 331 1999 has a documented auxiliary engine of 30 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 carries 78 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.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 331 1999 at 34,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 32,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.