The Oceanis 31 is a cruiser that remained in the Bénéteau shipyard catalog for over 10 years. This 9-meter sailboat enjoyed considerable success before being replaced by the Oceanis 30.1. Here’s a look at a sailboat that will appeal to families.
The Oceanis range is a staple of the boating world, both in France and across Europe. The Oceanis 31, designed by Finot-Conq, played a significant role in this legacy, earning the title of “Boat of the Year” in 2009. And yet, the story didn’t end there.
History of the Bénéteau Oceanis 31
Indeed, when the Bénéteau shipyard contacted the Finot-Conq architectural firm in 2007, the goal was to replace a successful sailboat, the Oceanis 323, which itself had replaced the Oceanis 311, produced in over 1,000 units.
This period was not easy. The German shipyard Bavaria was booming and gaining significant market share. At the same time, Polish shipyards were rising in prominence.
Yet, the Oceanis 31 managed to win over sailors. The Bénéteau shipyard kept it in their catalog for 13 years—no small feat. The Oceanis 31 appealed to sailors looking for a comfortable, easy-to-handle, yet high-performing sailboat.
It was replaced in 2020 by the Oceanis 30.1.
An elegant cruising sailboat
Let’s start with the obvious: the Oceanis 31 is a beautiful boat. In today’s market, that’s already a plus. But this successful design doesn’t come at the expense of space. As soon as you step aboard the Oceanis 31, its generous dimensions—9.30 meters in length and 3.36 meters in width—pleasantly surprise. The freeboard remains moderate, and the coachroof is discreet.
Its teak cockpit, adorned with three deck hatches and small hull portholes, gives it a refined and modern style. The wide stern is typically seen on longer boats, adding to its elegance. I remain a bit skeptical about the wheel steering in a boat of this size.
A cruising version and a performance version
I mentioned earlier that the Oceanis 31 was well-designed for sailing. The boat is equipped with two genoa winches located near the helm station and two more on the coachroof, making it easier for solo sailors. Something we all experience from time to time.
With a semi-battened mainsail and a 104% overlapping roller-furling genoa, sailing is optimized.
In its performance version, the Elvstrom sails are more powerful, with three automatic reefing lines allowing quick adjustments to changing wind conditions.
Sailing the Oceanis 31
It’s hard to find negative reviews from Oceanis 31 owners. This 9-meter sailboat is responsive and handles beautifully. It requires little wind to come alive while adapting to changing weather conditions.
The Oceanis 31 was offered in three versions:
- GTE version: 1.80m
- PTE version: 1.30m
- Lifting keel: 0.95/2.17m
The GTE version is logically the most efficient upwind and the stiffest under sail.
A comfortable and bright sailboat
Going below deck, you’ll find a functional galley to port and a chart table to starboard. Classic features. The headroom of about 1.82m ensures comfortable movement. The saloon is spacious and easy to move around in.
The aft cabin, oriented across the beam, is a real advantage for comfort and space. From 2014, a “Loft” option allowed owners to choose between a Breton-style berth or a closed cabin in the bow.
Mers&Bateaux’s opinion on the Oceanis 31
The Bénéteau Oceanis 31 clearly combines aesthetics, comfort, and performance. It is undoubtedly an excellent choice for those seeking a recent, spacious, and easy-to-handle used sailboat. Ideal for day trips or weekend cruises with the family, as well as longer voyages. For those who love speed and racing, check out the new First 30.
Bénéteau Oceanis 31 technical specifications
| Hull length | 9.3 m |
| Waterline length | 8.89 m |
| Beam | 3.39 m |
| Draft | 1.80 or 0.95 / 2.17 m |
| Weight | 4,620 kg |
| Ballast | 1,000 kg |
| Air draft | 14.2 m |
| Sail area | 47.5 m² |
| Mainsail | 22.8 m² |
| Genoa | 24.7 m² |
| Spinnaker | 95 m² |
| Category | B |
| Engine | 20 |
| Material | Polyester |