The Beneteau First 36S7 1995 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 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 36S7 1995 at 35,1 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 at 36,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 tips the scales at 13 349 lbs — 562 lbs less than the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 at 12 787 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 Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 tops out at 30 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 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 Clipper 361 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 12 787 lbs for the Beneteau First 36S7 1995 and 13 349 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008. 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 36S7 1995 draws 6,1 ft, compared to 5,0 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008. That 1,1-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 36S7 1995 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 has a documented auxiliary engine of 30 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 36S7 1995 and Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361 2008 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.