The Beneteau First 38 1982 vs Beneteau Oceanis 430 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 38 1982 at 40,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 at 42,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 tips the scales at 19 842 lbs — 4 189 lbs less than the Beneteau First 38 1982 at 15 653 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 — 60 hp for the Beneteau First 38 1982 and 50 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 430 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 carries 53 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Beneteau First 38 1982. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 12 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 Oceanis 430 1985 displaces 19 842 lbs — a 4 189-lb difference over the Beneteau First 38 1982 at 15 653 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.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,1 ft and 5,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 38 1982 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 38 1982 carries a 60-hp engine against 50 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985. 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 8,2 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 and 7,8 knots for the Beneteau First 38 1982. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 carries 143 gallons versus 106 gallons on the Beneteau First 38 1982 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 430 1985 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 19 842 lbs displacement and 43 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 38 1982 at 15 653 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.