The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 vs Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 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 Class 10 1987 at 34,3 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 at 31,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 tips the scales at 8 807 lbs - 1 907 lbs less than the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 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 Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 tops out at 21 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket - 6 900 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 and 8 807 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021. 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 - 5,8 ft and 6,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 is rigged as a Fractional Sloop while the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 carries Sloop rigging - a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 34,3 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 at 31,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option - simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.