The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 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 38S5 1989 at 38,5 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 38,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 tips the scales at 14 551 lbs — 221 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 14 330 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 50 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. 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 390 1987 carries 46 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Beneteau First 38S5 1989. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 11 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.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 14 551 lbs for the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 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.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,2 ft and 5,5 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 Oceanis 390 1987 carries a 50-hp engine against 43 hp on the Beneteau First 38S5 1989. 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 38S5 1989. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 98 gallons on the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.