Beneteau 31 vs M32
How do the Beneteau 31 and M32 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 31 
M32 | Beneteau 31 | M32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.7 ft9.65 m | 31.8 ft9.68 m |
| Waterline length | 28.5 ft8.69 m | —— |
| Beam | 11.1 ft3.38 m | 18.2 ft5.54 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | —— |
| Displacement | 8,933 lb4,052 kg | 1,124 lb510 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207 lb1,001 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 461 ft²42.8 m² | 1,216 ft²113.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.13 | 179.97 |
| Displacement / Length | 172 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 19.0 | — |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 6.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | — |
Beneteau 31 vs M32: the short version
- The Beneteau 31 and M32 are close in length (31.7 ft9.65 m vs 31.8 ft9.68 m ).
- The Beneteau 31 is heavier, displacing about 695% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the M32 carries the more powerful rig (180.0 vs 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 31 rates better for offshore work (2.14 vs 6.99).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.