The Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau First Class 12 1986 measures 39,3 feet overall (1986), giving it roughly 7,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 at 31,4 feet (2021). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 tips the scales at 9 480 lbs - 673 lbs more than the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 at 8 807 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 12 1986 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 12 1986 is rated for 11 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 12 1986 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket - 9 480 lbs for the Beneteau First Class 12 1986 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 - 6,9 ft and 6,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 2021 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.