The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 vs Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 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 Oceanis 45 2011 measures 45,9 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 7,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 38,5 feet (1989). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 tips the scales at 23 257 lbs — 8 706 lbs less than the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 14 551 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 54 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011. 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 45 2011 carries 53 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 displaces 23 257 lbs — a 8 706-lb difference over the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 14 551 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.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 draws 7,5 ft, compared to 6,2 ft for the Beneteau First 38S5 1989. That 1,3-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 38S5 1989 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 carries a 54-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 8,7 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 and 7,4 knots for the Beneteau First 38S5 1989.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 45 2011 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 23 257 lbs displacement and 46 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 14 551 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.