The Beneteau First 38 1982 vs Beneteau Oceanis 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 38 1982 at 40,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 at 37,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 38 1982 tips the scales at 15 653 lbs — 551 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 at 15 102 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 60 hp, the Beneteau First 38 1982 has a 30-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013's 30-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 34 gal and 34 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First 38 1982 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 38 1982 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 15 653 lbs for the Beneteau First 38 1982 and 15 102 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,1 ft and 6,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 38 1982 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 38 1982 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 38 1982 carries a 60-hp engine against 30 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013. 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 8,0 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 and 7,8 knots for the Beneteau First 38 1982. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 38 1982 carries 106 gallons versus 34 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.