The Beneteau 311, designed by Jean Marie Finot of Groupe Finot and first built in 1998, is a versatile cruiser that offers a good balance between performance, comfort, and ease of handling. Its compact size makes it suitable for coastal cruising, while still providing ample space and comfort for a small crew or family. The Beneteau 311 is essentially a performance-oriented cruiser that also goes by the name Oceanis 311.
Design and Construction
With a length overall (LOA) of 9.83 meters (32.25 feet) and a beam of 3.20 meters (10.50 feet), the Beneteau 311 manages to offer a spacious interior despite its compact external dimensions. The hull features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, providing stability and agility, particularly useful in tight marina conditions or when cruising coastal waters. The construction in fiberglass (FG) ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable, with a displacement of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).
Performance
The fractional sloop rig is designed to be easy to manage, particularly for short-handed sailing. The sail area of 50.07 m² (539 ft²) and a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Displ) of 22.16 indicate a boat that is quick to accelerate and performs well in light to moderate wind conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at 7.17 knots, making it a solid performer for coastal cruising. Equipped with a reliable 18 HP Yanmar diesel engine, the Beneteau 311 is capable of efficient motoring when needed, with a fuel capacity of 18 gallons (68 liters) providing a good range.
On-Water Behavior
The Ballast-to-Displacement ratio of 31.43% suggests good stability, while the Comfort Ratio of 17.49 means it leans slightly towards performance over cruising comfort. This makes the Beneteau 311 agile and responsive, but still comfortable enough for weekend getaways or short coastal voyages. Its Capsize Screening Index of 2.13 indicates that the boat is suitable for coastal cruising and can handle moderate offshore conditions, though it’s primarily intended for inshore waters.
Accommodations
With a water capacity of 52 gallons (197 liters), the Beneteau 311 provides sufficient resources for extended trips, while the interior layout is optimized for comfort, making it ideal for a small crew or family. There is also a Keel-Centerboard version, offering a shallower draft option for cruising in more restricted waters, increasing its versatility.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 311 is a well-rounded, compact cruiser that offers a great balance between performance and comfort. It’s ideal for sailors looking for a boat that is easy to handle, offers good sailing performance, and provides enough space for enjoyable weekend or short-term coastal cruising. With its durable construction and thoughtful design, the Beneteau 311 remains a popular choice for both novice sailors and those looking for a versatile, performance-oriented cruiser.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 32.25 ft / 9.83 m |
| LWL | 28.67 ft / 8.74 m |
| Sail Area (reported) | 539.00 ft² / 50.07 m² |
| Beam | 10.50 ft / 3.20 m |
| Displacement | 7,716.00 lb / 3,500 kg |
| Ballast | 2,425.00 lb / 1,100 kg |
| Max Draft | 4.67 ft / 1.42 m |
| Construction | Fiberglass (FG) |
| Ballast Type | Cast Iron |
| First Built | 1998 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
| Make | Yanmar |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 18 |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 gallons / 68 liters |
| Water Capacity | 52 gallons / 197 liters |
| Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displacement | 22.16 |
| Ballast / Displacement | 31.43 |
| Displacement / Length | 146.17 |
| Comfort Ratio | 17.49 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.13 |
| Hull Speed | 7.17 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,075.63 pounds/inch |
| Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 40.35 ft / 12.30 m |
| J | 11.35 ft / 3.46 m |
| P | 36.61 ft / 11.16 m |
| E | 13.19 ft / 4.02 m |
| S.A. Fore | 228.99 ft² / 21.27 m² |
| S.A. Main | 241.44 ft² / 22.43 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 470.43 ft² / 43.70 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calculated) | 19.34 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 41.92 ft / 12.78 m |
| Mast Height from DWL | 46.58 ft / 14.20 m |
| Additional Notes | |
| Keel-CB version: draft BU: 2.58 ft / 0.8 m, BD: 7.08 ft / 2.15 m; Ballast with CB: 3,085 lbs / 1,400 kg. Same as Oceanis 311. | |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 311 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.