The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 vs Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 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 36.7 2002 at 36,0 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 at 33,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 tips the scales at 12 941 lbs — 2 359 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 at 10 582 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 29 hp for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 and 27 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 20 gal and 21 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 10 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 displaces 12 941 lbs — a 2 359-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 at 10 582 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.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 draws 7,2 ft, compared to 5,1 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985. That 2,1-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 36.7 2002 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 7,4 knots for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 and 7,3 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 941 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 at 10 582 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.