BENETEAU 331
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.92 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 11,173 lb |
| Ballast | 3,252.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 41.08 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.34 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.58 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.27 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 519.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 253.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 430.9 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 3GM30F27 hpSee all 31 parts → |
About the BENETEAU 331
Offered with 3 keel options: Std. bulb keel. Shallow bulb keel. Lifting keel with twin rudders. See also OCEANIS 331 (BENETEAU).
Designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau (USA) from 1999–2004, the Beneteau 331 is a popular masthead sloop known for its performance-oriented hull form. With a displacement of 11173.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 175.8, it offers a balance of speed and comfort, though owners frequently report structural concerns regarding the keel sump and rudder systems.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize sailing performance and interior volume, as evidenced by the high prevalence of performance sailmakers like North (419 mentions) and electronics upgrades from Raymarine (114 mentions). It is less ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, plug-and-play experience due to the frequency of reported mechanical and structural issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the low capsize ratio of 2.03 and fin keel design suggest moderate offshore capability, the high frequency of rudder/shaft issues (37 mentions) and keel smile/sump cracking (44 mentions) raises significant concerns for extended bluewater passages without rigorous structural reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau 323 and the Hunter 34, which share similar production eras and performance-focused designs. The 331 distinguishes itself with a slightly higher SA/D ratio of 16.06, appealing to sailors who prioritize upwind performance over the heavier displacement found in some contemporaries.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
48 listings · boat years 2000–2005 · median $59,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 9 systems for the BENETEAU 331, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BENETEAU 331? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 21 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the BENETEAU 331
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