The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 vs Beneteau Oceanis 390 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 Oceanis 370 1989 at 35,7 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 38,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 tips the scales at 14 330 lbs — 3 086 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 at 11 244 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 50 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 has a 23-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989's 27-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 Oceanis 390 1987 carries 46 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989. 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 390 1987 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 displaces 14 330 lbs — a 3 086-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 at 11 244 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 — 5,1 ft and 5,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries a 50-hp engine against 27 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 7,7 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 and 7,5 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 106 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 14 330 lbs displacement and 38 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 370 1989 at 11 244 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.