Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit
How do the Beneteau 331 and Beneteau First 260 Spirit compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 331 
Beneteau First 260 Spirit | Beneteau 331 | Beneteau First 260 Spirit | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 33.9 ft10.34 m | 24.6 ft7.49 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 24.1 ft7.35 m |
| Beam | 11.3 ft3.45 m | 9.1 ft2.76 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 6.1 ft1.85 m |
| Displacement | 11,173 lb5,068 kg | 4,740 lb2,150 kg |
| Ballast | 3,253 lb1,476 kg | 1,433 lb650 kg |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 349 ft²32.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 19.79 |
| Displacement / Length | 176 | 151 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.6 | 16.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.03 | 2.16 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 260 Spirit: the short version
- The Beneteau 331 is the larger boat at 33.9 ft10.34 m LOA versus 24.6 ft7.49 m for the Beneteau First 260 Spirit.
- The Beneteau 331 is heavier, displacing about 136% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 260 Spirit carries the more powerful rig (19.8 vs 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau 331 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 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.