Beneteau 323 vs Beneteau First 235
How do the Beneteau 323 and Beneteau First 235 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 323 
Beneteau First 235 | Beneteau 323 | Beneteau First 235 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 32.8 ft10.01 m | 23.3 ft7.11 m |
| Waterline length | 29.2 ft8.89 m | 20.3 ft6.17 m |
| Beam | 10.8 ft3.28 m | 8.2 ft2.49 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.45 m | 3.8 ft1.16 m |
| Displacement | 9,325 lb4,230 kg | 2,826 lb1,282 kg |
| Ballast | 2,414 lb1,095 kg | 825 lb374 kg |
| Sail area | 542 ft²50.4 m² | 249 ft²23.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.57 | 19.93 |
| Displacement / Length | 168 | 152 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.1 | 12.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.0 |
Beneteau 323 vs Beneteau First 235: the short version
- The Beneteau 323 is the larger boat at 32.8 ft10.01 m LOA versus 23.3 ft7.11 m for the Beneteau First 235.
- The Beneteau 323 is heavier, displacing about 230% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 235 carries the more powerful rig (19.9 vs 19.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 323 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 323 rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.