Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 235
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau First 235 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 31 
Beneteau First 235 | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau First 235 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 23.3 ft7.11 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 20.3 ft6.17 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 8.2 ft2.49 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 3.8 ft1.16 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 2,826 lb1,282 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 825 lb374 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 249 ft²23.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 19.93 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 152 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 12.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.0 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 235: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 is the larger boat at 31.7 ft9.65 m LOA versus 23.3 ft7.11 m for the Beneteau First 235.
- The Beneteau 31 is heavier, displacing about 216% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 235 carries the more powerful rig (19.9 vs 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 31 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 31 rates better for offshore work (2.14 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.