The Beneteau First 34.7 2005 vs Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 21 hp for the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 and 18 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 carries 20 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. 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 First 34.7 2005 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 has a documented displacement of 8 818 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 34.7 2005 draws 6,7 ft, compared to 4,7 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. That 2,0-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 First 34.7 2005 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 uses a 1 wheel versus a 1 tiller on the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 and 7,1 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 carries 40 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Beneteau First 34.7 2005 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 34.7 2005 at 34,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 at 31,6 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.