Beneteau 361 vs Beneteau Oceanis 281
How do the Beneteau 361 and Beneteau Oceanis 281 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau 361 
Beneteau Oceanis 281 | Beneteau 361 | Beneteau Oceanis 281 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.10 m | 28.5 ft8.69 m |
| Waterline length | 31.1 ft9.47 m | 24.5 ft7.47 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 9.4 ft2.87 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 13,349 lb6,055 kg | 5,732 lb2,600 kg |
| Ballast | 4,156 lb1,885 kg | 1,676 lb760 kg |
| Sail area | 592 ft²55.0 m² | 335 ft²31.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.83 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 198 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.8 | 17.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 6.6 |
Beneteau 361 vs Beneteau Oceanis 281: the short version
- The Beneteau 361 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 28.5 ft8.69 m for the Beneteau Oceanis 281.
- The Beneteau 361 is heavier, displacing about 133% 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 16.7), 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 Oceanis 281 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.