Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 285
How do the Beneteau 31 and Beneteau First 285 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 285 | Beneteau 31 | Beneteau First 285 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 28.2 ft8.58 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 24.3 ft7.39 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 6,160 lb2,794 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 2,115 lb959 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 340 ft²31.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 16.19 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 17.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.14 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 31 vs Beneteau First 285: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 is the larger boat at 31.7 ft9.65 m LOA versus 28.2 ft8.58 m for the Beneteau First 285.
- The Beneteau 31 is heavier, displacing about 45% 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 16.2), 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 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.