2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 2010–2016 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,300 kg (9,480 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.5 m² (490 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 0.07m longer than the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 11% 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 Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, 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 Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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: 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
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Or view individual specs: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 · Catalina 323