Beneteau 31 vs Contest 32 CS
How do the Beneteau 31 and Contest 32 CS compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 31 
Contest 32 CS | Beneteau 31 | Contest 32 CS | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 31.8 ft9.70 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 25.7 ft7.82 m |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 10.9 ft3.32 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 14,300 lb6,486 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | 6,380 lb2,894 kg |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 289 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 7.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | 378 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | 33.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 1.79 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.8 |
Beneteau 31 vs Contest 32 CS: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 and Contest 32 CS are close in length (31.7 ft9.65 m vs 31.8 ft9.70 m ).
- The Contest 32 CS is heavier, displacing about 60% 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 7.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Contest 32 CS scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Contest 32 CS rates better for offshore work (1.79 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.