The Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 vs Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 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 Evasion 32 1973 at 31,1 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 at 31,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 tips the scales at 12 677 lbs — 5 622 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 at 7 055 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 55 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 has a 31-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991's 24-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 carries 32 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 displaces 12 677 lbs — a 5 622-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 at 7 055 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.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 4,7 ft and 4,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 is rigged as a Masthead-sloop while the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 carries Sloop rigging — a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 uses a 1 wheel versus a 1 tiller on the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 carries a 55-hp engine against 24 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 7,2 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 and 6,6 knots for the Beneteau Evasion 32 1973.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Evasion 32 1973 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 677 lbs displacement and 31 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 300 Shoal draft 1991 at 7 055 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.