The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 vs Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 measures 38,5 feet overall (1989), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 at 33,9 feet (2014). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 tips the scales at 14 551 lbs — 2 162 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 at 12 389 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 — 43 hp for the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 and 29 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014. 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 — 32 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 38S5 1989 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 displaces 14 551 lbs — a 2 162-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 at 12 389 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 — 6,2 ft and 6,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 carries a 43-hp engine against 29 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 carries 98 gallons versus 77 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 14 551 lbs displacement and 39 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 2014 at 12 389 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.