Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau 361
How do the Beneteau 331 and Beneteau 361 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 331 
Beneteau 361 | Beneteau 331 | Beneteau 361 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 33.9 ft10.34 m | 36.4 ft11.10 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 31.1 ft9.47 m |
| Beam | 11.3 ft3.45 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 11,173 lb5,068 kg | 13,349 lb6,055 kg |
| Ballast | 3,253 lb1,476 kg | 4,156 lb1,885 kg |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 592 ft²55.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 16.83 |
| Displacement / Length | 176 | 198 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.6 | 21.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.03 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 7.5 |
Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau 361: the short version
- The Beneteau 361 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 33.9 ft10.34 m for the Beneteau 331.
- The Beneteau 361 is heavier, displacing about 19% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau 361 carries the more powerful rig (16.8 vs 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 361 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau 331 rates better for offshore work (2.03 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.