Beneteau 310 vs. 311

[afelgate]

I am looking at the Beneteau 310 & 311. Both meet my needs - 30-32', fore & aft cabins for coastal cruising w/family, nicely designed interior - and budget, but how do they sail compared to each other?

By the #s they look pretty similar:

310
LOA: 31.16'
LWL: 27.72'
Beam: 10.49'
Draft: 4.2'
SA: 400 sq ft
Disp: 7054 lbs
Ballast: 2160 lbs
SA/Disp: 17.45
Bal./Disp.: 30.63%
Disp./Len: 147.85
PHRF: 138

311
LOA: 32.25'
LWL: 28.67'
Beam: 10.50'
SA: 482 sq ft
Draft: 4.67'
Disp: 8047 lbs
Ballast: 2425 lbs
SA/Disp: 19.27
Bal./Disp.: 30.14%
Disp./Len: 152.44
PHRF: 159

There are a lot more 311s for sale in my part of the world (New England). But my understanding is the First series (310) is more performance-focused than the Oceanis series (311).

While I'm not an active racer, I *do* like to go fast However if the performance was basically similar then I'd go with the 311 since it's a later model (typically 2000-04 vs. 1991-93 for the 310).

It would be great to hear from folks who have sailed either or both boats. Looking forward to the feedback!

Thanks,

Alan

[sandy stone]

I think it's the last number on your list that answers your question. A PHRF of 138 is J/30 territory - pretty respectable. PHRF 159 is still quicker than, say, a Pearson 30, so not bad at all, just not as fast.

[afelgate]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm okay with PHRF 158 versus 139, but what I'd also like to know is the actual experience of sailing these boats.

For example, does the 310 offer more controls and tweaks on deck? How does each heel (or not) compared to the other? How about light air versus heavy air performance? How about ease-of-use for single handing? Etc.

I appreciate any and all feedback that will give me a feel for the two boats. Ideally I would like to sea trial both models, but this is a great start!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Draikhyan]

Before you give it a sea trial check the rudder installation. When a buddy and me sailed to south Portugal some years ago we talked to the crews of 3 brand new Beneteaus that were being delivered to the Caribbean and they were all in port to fix their rudder because the chain had broken or the quadrant had come loose.

[Barney Post]

I think both of these (as well as some others) are based on the Figaro Solo design.

FIGARO (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

rb

[Hydra]

I have sailed Oceanis 311s but they were centerboarders, so I don't have an opinion on the performance of those with a deep keel. However, they are pleasant to live in and strongly built (not like more recent Bénéteaus).

On deck, I miss a mainsheet traveller but the vang is powerful enough. The rest of the fittings are OK. I find the cockpit slightly too wide for helming comfortably with the tiller (I have short arms) but the place is well suited for entertaining guests. Some are fitted with a steering wheel, not useful IMO.

Alain