Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 285
How do the Beneteau 331 and Beneteau First 285 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 285 | Beneteau 331 | Beneteau First 285 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 33.9 ft10.34 m | 28.2 ft8.58 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 24.3 ft7.39 m |
| Beam | 11.3 ft3.45 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 11,173 lb5,068 kg | 6,160 lb2,794 kg |
| Ballast | 3,253 lb1,476 kg | 2,115 lb959 kg |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 340 ft²31.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 16.19 |
| Displacement / Length | 176 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.6 | 17.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.03 | 2.14 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 331 vs Beneteau First 285: the short version
- The Beneteau 331 is the larger boat at 33.9 ft10.34 m LOA versus 28.2 ft8.58 m for the Beneteau First 285.
- The Beneteau 331 is heavier, displacing about 81% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau First 285 carries the more powerful rig (16.2 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 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.