The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2012 vs Beneteau Oceanis 500 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2012 at 51,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 at 50,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 tips the scales at 30 865 lbs - 3 315 lbs less than the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2012 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 80 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 has a 78-hp advantage over the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2012'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 2012 carries 172 gallons versus 148 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987. 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 500 1987 has a documented displacement of 30 865 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 80 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 carries 275 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 Fly 2012 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.