The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 vs Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 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 390 1987 at 38,2 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 at 41,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 tips the scales at 19 350 lbs — 5 020 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 14 330 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 98 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 has a 48-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987's 50-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 41 2012 carries 53 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. 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 41 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 displaces 19 350 lbs — a 5 020-lb difference over the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 14 330 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 — 5,5 ft and 5,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 carries a 98-hp engine against 50 hp on the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 carries 169 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 19 350 lbs displacement and 41 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Oceanis 390 1987 at 14 330 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.