Beneteau 311 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau 311 entered production in 1998, part of Beneteau's extensive Oceanis range, which is renowned for defining the modern family cruiser. [1, Its design, attributed to Jean-Marie Finot of Groupe Finot, reflects the firm's broad experience in crafting both cruising and racing yachts. Groupe Finot's goal for the 311 was to create a safe, high-performance cruiser that offered comfort comparable to larger models, combining a hull form influenced by racing designs, such as the Figaro 1, with a rig optimized for simple handling. This philosophy aligned perfectly with Beneteau's evolving manufacturing ethos during the 1990s, characterized by a full embrace of fiberglass construction to produce thoughtfully designed yachts that balanced performance, comfort, and affordability for a growing leisure market. Beneteau's consistent collaboration with leading naval architects like Groupe Finot ensured that their designs remained contemporary, integrating advancements in naval architecture with practical considerations for owners. The 311 was offered with variations, including an optional keel-centerboard version featuring a different draft and ballast, and a choice of standard or roller-furling mast.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 311 is characterized by a design that prioritizes enjoyable sailing performance for its class. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 21.70, she exhibits good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air, where her fractional rig and moderate displacement allow her to maintain way. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.314 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, providing a comfortable motion. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 146.01 places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Beneteau 311 performs optimally on a reach or broad reach, where she feels lively and nimble. She has been described as a "very fast cruiser" for her size, capable of being sailed efficiently short-handed. However, like many lighter displacement hulls, some owners note that she can be more affected by heavy seas compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers, occasionally prompting the advice to "reef early" in stronger winds. Overall, the 311 is praised for its familiar sailing characteristics and well-proportioned sail plan, contributing to its ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its manageable size, the Beneteau 311 is celebrated for its thoughtful interior design and impressive accommodations, which aim to rival those found on larger yachts. The layout is generally optimized for cruising couples or small families, featuring a spacious cockpit that serves as a primary gathering area.

Below deck, the typical interior arrangement includes a comfortable V-berth forward, suitable for children or occasional guests. A notable feature is the generously sized aft cabin, often described as large enough for adults. The salon typically comprises a dinette area, and the galley is designed for practicality during coastal voyages. The head compartment is also noted for being of good size. Storage is generally ample, with a particularly large cockpit locker. While specific details on finish quality vary by individual boat condition and year, Beneteau's general reputation for solid construction and practical, comfortable interiors suggests a functional and appealing living space for its size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 311 consistently praise its ease of handling, especially when sailing short-handed, and its overall comfort as a cruiser. Many appreciate its performance capabilities for its size and its ability to cover ground efficiently. The spaciousness of both the cockpit and the interior accommodations, particularly the aft cabin and head, are frequently highlighted as strong positive attributes.

However, as with any boat, some common considerations or minor issues have been noted. Some owners suggest that the boat benefits from early reefing in stronger winds, indicating a responsive nature that might require attention to sail trim. There have been isolated reports of plumbing issues and, like many older fiberglass boats, general corrosion on original fittings can occur over time. Despite these minor points, the general consensus among owners points to the Beneteau 311 as a capable, comfortable, and enjoyable sailboat that offers significant value for its size and era.