The Beneteau First Class Europe 0 vs Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 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 Europe 0 at 37,3 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 at 37,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 tips the scales at 15 102 lbs — 8 268 lbs less than the Beneteau First Class Europe 0 at 6 834 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 38 2013 tops out at 30 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First Class Europe 0 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 displaces 15 102 lbs — a 8 268-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class Europe 0 at 6 834 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 — 6,2 ft and 6,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First Class Europe 0 is rigged as a Fractional Sloop while the Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 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 38 2013 has a documented auxiliary engine of 30 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 38 2013 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 15 102 lbs displacement and 38 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class Europe 0 at 6 834 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.