Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau First 260 Spirit 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 260 Spirit | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau First 260 Spirit | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 24.6 ft7.49 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 24.1 ft7.35 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 9.1 ft2.76 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 6.1 ft1.85 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 4,740 lb2,150 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 1,433 lb650 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 349 ft²32.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 19.79 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 151 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 16.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.16 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 is the larger boat at 31.7 ft9.65 m LOA versus 24.6 ft7.49 m for the Beneteau First 260 Spirit.
- The Beneteau 31 is heavier, displacing about 88% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 260 Spirit carries the more powerful rig (19.8 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 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.