The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 measures 38,2 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 3,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 34,3 feet (1987). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 tips the scales at 14 330 lbs — 7 430 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 390 1987 tops out at 50 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 Oceanis 390 1987 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 displaces 14 330 lbs — a 7 430-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 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 — 5,8 ft and 5,5 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 390 1987 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 390 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 14 330 lbs displacement and 38 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 at 6 900 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.