The Beneteau First Class 10 1987 vs Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 323 2003 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 Clipper 323 2003 at 32,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 323 2003 tips the scales at 9 326 lbs — 2 426 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 Clipper 323 2003 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 Clipper 323 2003 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.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 323 2003 displaces 9 326 lbs — a 2 426-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 5,1 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 Clipper 323 2003 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 Clipper 323 2003 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 323 2003 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 9 326 lbs displacement and 32 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.