Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 265
How do the Beneteau 331 and Beneteau First 265 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 265 | Beneteau 331 | Beneteau First 265 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 33.9 ft10.34 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 24.2 ft7.37 m |
| Beam | 11.3 ft3.45 m | 9.4 ft2.87 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 11,173 lb5,068 kg | 4,800 lb2,177 kg |
| Ballast | 3,253 lb1,476 kg | 1,430 lb649 kg |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 323 ft²30.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 18.16 |
| Displacement / Length | 176 | 152 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.6 | 15.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.03 | 2.23 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 265: the short version
- The Beneteau 331 is the larger boat at 33.9 ft10.34 m LOA versus 26.0 ft7.92 m for the Beneteau First 265.
- The Beneteau 331 is heavier, displacing about 133% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 265 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 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 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.