The Beneteau First 36.7 2002 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 36.7 2002 at 36,0 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 — 1 389 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 50 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 has a 21-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 36.7 2002's 29-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 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 Oceanis 390 1987 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 Oceanis 390 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 12 941 lbs for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 and 14 330 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

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 5,5 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. That 1,7-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. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries a 50-hp engine against 29 hp on the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. 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 7,4 knots for the Beneteau First 36.7 2002. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 72 gallons on the Beneteau First 36.7 2002 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.