2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 2010–2016 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,300 kg (9,480 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.5 m² (490 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is 1.83m longer than the Hunter 260. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 displaces approximately 111% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 45.5 m² of sail area. The Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 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 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 · Hunter 260