The Beneteau First 20 2013 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 measures 38,2 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 17,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 21,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 tips the scales at 17 152 lbs — 14 407 lbs less than the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 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 40 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 has a 30-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 20 2013's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 20 2013 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 Clipper 393 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 displaces 17 152 lbs — a 14 407-lb difference over the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 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 — 5,1 ft and 5,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 carries a 40-hp engine against 10 hp on the Beneteau First 20 2013. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
The Beneteau First 20 2013 is trailerable, giving it a significant lifestyle advantage for sailors who want to move between lakes, rivers, and coastal waters without committing to a marina slip.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393 2008 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 17 152 lbs displacement and 38 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.