The Beneteau 31, designed by Jean Marie Finot of Groupe Finot and first built in 2002, is a versatile and well-balanced cruiser. It combines ease of handling, comfortable accommodations, and solid performance, making it an ideal choice for both novice sailors and more experienced cruisers looking for a reliable coastal sailing yacht.
Design and Construction
With a length overall (LOA) of 9.65 meters (31.67 feet) and a beam of 3.38 meters (11.08 feet), the Beneteau 31 offers a spacious and comfortable layout for a boat of its size. The hull features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, which enhances both stability and maneuverability. The fiberglass (FG) construction ensures durability, while maintaining a reasonable displacement of 4,052 kg (8,933 lbs), providing a good balance between performance and comfort.
Performance
The fractional sloop rig provides flexibility and ease of sail management, particularly useful for short-handed crews. The sail area, reported at 47.47 m² (511 ft²), delivers sufficient power for cruising while maintaining stability, with a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Displ) of 19.05, indicating decent light-wind performance. Its hull speed of 7.15 knots allows for efficient cruising, making it suitable for extended trips or weekend outings.
Equipped with a 22 HP Yanmar diesel engine, the Beneteau 31 is also well-powered for motoring in low-wind conditions, and its fuel capacity of 34 gallons (129 liters) ensures decent range for longer passages.
On-Water Behavior
The Ballast-to-Displacement ratio of 24.71% contributes to a stable and forgiving ride, while the Comfort Ratio of 19.04 suggests that it is more geared toward comfort than speed, making it ideal for relaxed cruising rather than competitive sailing. With a Capsize Screening Index of 2.14, the Beneteau 31 is suitable for coastal and some offshore sailing, providing safety and reassurance in varied sea conditions.
Accommodations
With a water capacity of 34 gallons (129 liters), the Beneteau 31 is designed for comfortable cruising with a small crew or family. It offers a spacious and practical interior layout, making it ideal for weekend trips or coastal cruising in comfort. The availability of a shoal draft version with a draft of 4.25 feet enhances its versatility, allowing access to shallower waters.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 31 is a well-rounded cruising sailboat, combining comfort, ease of handling, and respectable performance. It is an excellent option for sailors seeking a reliable, spacious cruiser that performs well under sail and engine power. Whether for coastal exploration or weekend getaways, the Beneteau 31 provides a safe, stable, and enjoyable sailing experience.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 31.67 ft / 9.65 m |
| LWL | 28.50 ft / 8.69 m |
| Sail Area (reported) | 511.00 ft² / 47.47 m² |
| Beam | 11.08 ft / 3.38 m |
| Displacement | 8,933.00 lb / 4,052 kg |
| Ballast | 2,207.00 lb / 1,001 kg |
| Max Draft | 5.83 ft / 1.78 m |
| Construction | Fiberglass (FG) |
| First Built | 2002 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
| Make | Yanmar |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 22 |
| Fuel Capacity | 34 gallons / 129 liters |
| Water Capacity | 34 gallons / 129 liters |
| Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displacement | 19.05 |
| Ballast / Displacement | 24.71 |
| Displacement / Length | 172.27 |
| Comfort Ratio | 19.04 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.14 |
| Hull Speed | 7.15 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,128.32 pounds/inch |
| Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 38.67 ft / 11.79 m |
| J | 12.08 ft / 3.68 m |
| P | 35.75 ft / 10.90 m |
| E | 12.75 ft / 3.89 m |
| S.A. Fore | 233.57 ft² / 21.70 m² |
| S.A. Main | 227.91 ft² / 21.17 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 461.48 ft² / 42.87 m² |
| Est. Forestay Length | 40.51 ft / 12.35 m |
| Additional Notes | |
| Shoal draft version: draft: 4.25′ ballast: 2,412 lbs. | |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 31 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.