Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 265
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau First 265 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 265 | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau First 265 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 24.2 ft7.37 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 9.4 ft2.87 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 4,800 lb2,177 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 1,430 lb649 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 323 ft²30.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 18.16 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 152 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 15.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.23 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 265: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 is the larger boat at 31.7 ft9.65 m LOA versus 26.0 ft7.92 m for the Beneteau First 265.
- The Beneteau 31 is heavier, displacing about 86% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 265 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 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 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.