The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 vs Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 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 30.1 2021 measures 31,4 feet overall (2021), giving it roughly 9,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 22,1 feet (1980). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 tips the scales at 8 807 lbs - 4 839 lbs less than the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 25 hp for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 and 21 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 displaces 8 807 lbs - a 4 839-lb difference over the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 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.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 draws 6,2 ft, compared to 3,4 ft for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. That 2,8-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 Evasion 22 1980 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 uses a 1 tiller versus a 1 tiller (helm wheel in option) on the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 7,1 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 and 5,9 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 carries 42 gallons versus 13 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 is the offshore and bluewater choice - at 8 807 lbs displacement and 31 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option - easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.