1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 vs Hunter 30 — Comparison
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
Hunter 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 | Hunter 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1991–1996 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.14 m (33.3 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 measures 10.14m (33.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is 1.00m longer than the Hunter 30. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 30, with an SA/D of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Hunter 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 30 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 · Hunter 30