The Beneteau First 24 2018 vs Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 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 38 2013 measures 37,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 13,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 24,0 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 tips the scales at 15 102 lbs — 13 140 lbs less than the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 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 38 2013 tops out at 30 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First 24 2018 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 24 2018 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 displaces 15 102 lbs — a 13 140-lb difference over the Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 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 — 6,7 ft and 6,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 24 2018 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 24 2018 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 has a documented auxiliary engine of 30 hp.
The Beneteau First 24 2018 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 38 2013 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 15 102 lbs displacement and 38 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 24 2018 at 1 962 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.