Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau 361
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau 361 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 31 
Beneteau 361 | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau 361 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 36.4 ft11.10 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 31.1 ft9.47 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 13,349 lb6,055 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 4,156 lb1,885 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 592 ft²55.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 16.83 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 198 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 21.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 7.5 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau 361: the short version
- The Beneteau 361 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 31.7 ft9.65 m for the Beneteau 31.
- The Beneteau 361 is heavier, displacing about 49% 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 16.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 361 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 361 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.