The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 vs Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 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 Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 at 51,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 at 52,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 tips the scales at 30 702 lbs - 3 152 lbs less than the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 at 27 550 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 110 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 has a 108-hp advantage over the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011's 2-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 carries 172 gallons versus 53 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 15 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.
The Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 has a documented displacement of 30 702 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 has a documented auxiliary engine of 110 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 carries 116 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2011 and Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 2020 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.