The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 at 37,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 at 36,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 tips the scales at 17 637 lbs — 4 288 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 at 13 349 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 60 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a 30-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.
Both boats are rated for 11 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 37 1979 displaces 17 637 lbs — a 4 288-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 at 13 349 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 Evasion 37 1979 draws 7,6 ft, compared to 5,0 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008. That 2,6-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 37 1979 uses Masthead-sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 carries a 60-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 Evasion 37 1979 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 17 637 lbs displacement and 37 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 at 13 349 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.