The Beneteau First 28 1980 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 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 411 2008 measures 41,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 12,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 28,1 feet (1980). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 tips the scales at 17 196 lbs - 14 991 lbs less than the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 2 205 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 First 28 1980 carries a rated maximum of 15 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 carries 45 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Beneteau First 28 1980. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau First 28 1980 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 displaces 17 196 lbs - a 14 991-lb difference over the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 2 205 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 - 5,7 ft and 4,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 28 1980 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 28 1980 has a documented auxiliary engine of 15 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 2008 carries 151 gallons versus 24 gallons on the Beneteau First 28 1980 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.