The Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 vs Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 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 Oceanis 370 1989 measures 35,7 feet overall (1989), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 at 32,4 feet (1997). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 tips the scales at 11 244 lbs — 3 197 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 at 8 047 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 370 1989 tops out at 27 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 carries 26 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 displaces 11 244 lbs — a 3 197-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 at 8 047 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 — 4,1 ft and 5,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 has a documented auxiliary engine of 27 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 7,5 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 and 7,2 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 carries 106 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 11 244 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 311 1997 at 8 047 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.