Beneteau Oceanis 281 vs Maxi 87
How do the Beneteau Oceanis 281 and Maxi 87 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau Oceanis 281 
Maxi 87 | Beneteau Oceanis 281 | Maxi 87 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 28.5 ft8.70 m |
| Waterline length | 24.5 ft7.47 m | 24.9 ft7.60 m |
| Beam | 9.4 ft2.87 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 5,732 lb2,600 kg | 8,378 lb3,800 kg |
| Ballast | 1,676 lb760 kg | 3,307 lb1,500 kg |
| Sail area | 335 ft²31.1 m² | 452 ft²42.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.74 | 17.53 |
| Displacement / Length | 174 | 241 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.4 | 23.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| Average used price | — | €7,900 |
Beneteau Oceanis 281 vs Maxi 87: the short version
- The Beneteau Oceanis 281 and Maxi 87 are close in length (28.5 ft8.69 m vs 28.5 ft8.70 m ).
- The Maxi 87 is heavier, displacing about 46% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Maxi 87 carries the more powerful rig (17.5 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Maxi 87 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Maxi 87 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.