Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau 331
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau 331 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 31 
Beneteau 331 | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau 331 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 33.9 ft10.34 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 30.5 ft9.30 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 11.3 ft3.45 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 11,173 lb5,068 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 3,253 lb1,476 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 500 ft²46.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 16.01 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 176 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 21.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.03 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 7.4 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau 331: the short version
- The Beneteau 331 is the larger boat at 33.9 ft10.34 m LOA versus 31.7 ft9.65 m for the Beneteau 31.
- The Beneteau 331 is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau 31 carries the more powerful rig (17.1 vs 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 331 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 331 rates better for offshore work (2.03 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.