Beneteau First 24 vs Hunter 31 — Comparison
Hunter 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 24 | Hunter 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Hunter |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.20 m (23.6 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.45 m (21.2 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.40 m (4.6 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 460 kg (1,014 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 24 and Hunter 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 24 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 31 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Beneteau First 24 was penned by Jean Berret. The Hunter 31 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 24 measures 7.20m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the Hunter 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The Hunter 31 is 2.25m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The Hunter 31 displaces approximately 192% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 24 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 21.93 and 27.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 31, with an SA/D of 17.51 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The Hunter 31 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24 and 38.9% for the Hunter 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The Hunter 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 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 Beneteau First 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hunter 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: Beneteau First 24 · Hunter 31