The Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 vs Beneteau Sense 43 2011 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 44 CC 1993 at 44,7 ft versus Beneteau Sense 43 2011 at 43,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 tips the scales at 23 369 lbs — 1 169 lbs more than the Beneteau Sense 43 2011 at 22 200 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 44 CC 1993 has a 24-hp advantage over the Beneteau Sense 43 2011's 56-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 Sense 43 2011 carries 116 gallons versus 73 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 13 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.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 23 369 lbs for the Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 and 22 200 lbs for the Beneteau Sense 43 2011. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,8 ft and 6,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 is rigged as a Sloop while the Beneteau Sense 43 2011 carries Fractional Sloop rigging — a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 carries a 80-hp engine against 56 hp on the Beneteau Sense 43 2011. 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 Sense 43 2011 carries 178 gallons versus 160 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC 1993 and Beneteau Sense 43 2011 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.