The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 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 Gran Turismo 38 2013 measures 39,7 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 at 36,0 feet (2002). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2013 tips the scales at 16 199 lbs — 3 258 lbs less than the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 at 12 941 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 29 hp, the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 has a 27-hp advantage over the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2013's 2-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 Gran Turismo 38 2013 carries 172 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. 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 Gran Turismo 38 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2013 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 has a documented displacement of 12 941 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 has a documented auxiliary engine of 29 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 carries 72 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.