1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 3311998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
VS
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year1998–20042010–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe FinotDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA10.14 m (33.3 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)8.92 m (29.3 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.40
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
34.07
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
0.80
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.63
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 measures 10.14m (33.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is 0.42m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 displaces approximately 28% 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, with an SA/D of 20.51 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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