1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 vs 2013 Elan 350 — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 3311998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
VS
2013 Elan 350

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 3312013 Elan 350
General
ManufacturerBeneteauElan
Year1998–20042013–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerGroupe FinotRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA10.14 m (33.3 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.46 m (11.4 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.40
2013 Elan 350
17.65
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
34.07
2013 Elan 350
30.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
0.80
2013 Elan 350
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.63
2013 Elan 350
19.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 2013 Elan 350 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2013 Elan 350 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 2013 Elan 350 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 measures 10.14m (33.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2013 Elan 350 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.46m beam. The 2013 Elan 350 is 0.53m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331. The 2013 Elan 350 displaces approximately 22% 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 2013 Elan 350, with an SA/D of 17.65 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2013 Elan 350 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 2013 Elan 350 has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 30.3% for the 2013 Elan 350, 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 2013 Elan 350 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2013 Elan 350 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 2013 Elan 350 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.

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Or view individual specs: 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 · 2013 Elan 350