The Beneteau First 35S5 1988 vs Beneteau Oceanis 390 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 35S5 1988 at 35,5 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 38,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 tips the scales at 14 330 lbs — 2 866 lbs less than the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 at 11 464 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 50 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 has a 22-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 35S5 1988's 28-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 46 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. 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 390 1987 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 displaces 14 330 lbs — a 2 866-lb difference over the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 at 11 464 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 5,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 35S5 1988 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 uses a 1 tiller versus a 1 wheel on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries a 50-hp engine against 28 hp on the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 7,7 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 and 7,3 knots for the Beneteau First 35S5 1988. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 69 gallons on the Beneteau First 35S5 1988 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.