Beneteau 361 vs Beneteau First 285
How do the Beneteau 361 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 361 
Beneteau First 285 | Beneteau 361 | Beneteau First 285 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.10 m | 28.2 ft8.58 m |
| Waterline length | 31.1 ft9.47 m | 24.3 ft7.39 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 13,349 lb6,055 kg | 6,160 lb2,794 kg |
| Ballast | 4,156 lb1,885 kg | 2,115 lb959 kg |
| Sail area | 592 ft²55.0 m² | 340 ft²31.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.83 | 16.19 |
| Displacement / Length | 198 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.8 | 17.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 2.14 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 361 vs Beneteau First 285: the short version
- The Beneteau 361 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 28.2 ft8.58 m for the Beneteau First 285.
- The Beneteau 361 is heavier, displacing about 117% 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 16.2), 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 361 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.