The Beneteau Oceanis 281 represents a pivotal moment in the development of the "pocket cruiser," a segment where manufacturers struggle to balance seaworthiness with the creature comforts typically found on much larger yachts. Launched in 1995 as an evolution of the more performance-oriented Beneteau First 265, the 281 was designed by the prolific naval architecture firm Groupe Finot to maximize internal volume without sacrificing the stable, predictable handling required for family coastal cruising. Produced until approximately 2002 with 331 units completed, the model remains a benchmark for how much living space can be engineered into a hull under 30 feet. According to the Beneteau Group Heritage archives, the design was specifically aimed at providing an "unrivalled ease of handling" for the entry-level cruising market.
Beneteau Oceanis 281 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Beneteau
- Model
- Oceanis 281
- Builder
- Beneteau
- Designer
- Groupe Finot
- Number Built
- 331
- Production Year(s)
- 1995 - ??
Below are the most recent Beneteau Oceanis 281 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | 2 | $38,250 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | $35,224 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 | $33,746 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | $35,224 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | $28,226 |
| Jan 2026 | 4 | $33,849 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | $30,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 | $31,778 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
Price Reduction Insights
12.5% of listings have had price reductions
Average discount: 20.3% off original price
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 | 37.73' | $216,669 | 130 | 45 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 41 | 40.78' | $189,970 | 88 | 40 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 31 | 31.69' | $79,400 | 56 | 22 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 331 | 33.96' | $59,500 | 53 | 17 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 461 | 46.59' | $115,000 | 53 | 16 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 381 | 38.58' | $70,233 | 44 | 19 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 321 | 32.64' | $45,995 | 37 | 6 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 281 | $33,746 | 21 | 8 | |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 28.1 | 27.89' | $26,507 | 16 | 9 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 300 | 31' | $37,404 | 10 | 6 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 320 | 30.28' | $32,393 | 9 | 2 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,000 | 8 | 2 |
| United Kingdom | $33,746 | 5 | 3 |
| Netherlands | $35,224 | 5 | 0 |
| France | $37,698 | 2 | 2 |
| Greece | $26,983 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Beneteau Oceanis 281 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Beneteau Oceanis 281 over the past 12 months is $33,746. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Beneteau Oceanis 281 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 21 Beneteau Oceanis 281 listings over the past 12 months, with 8 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Beneteau Oceanis 281 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Beneteau Oceanis 281 has decreased by 5.83% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Beneteau Oceanis 281?
- Greece currently has the lowest median asking price at $26,983, while France is the most expensive at $37,698 — a 40% difference.
- Do Beneteau Oceanis 281 listings get price reductions?
- About 13% of Beneteau Oceanis 281 listings have had their price reduced, with an average discount of 20.3% off the original asking price.
- What are similar sailboats to the Beneteau Oceanis 281?
- Comparable models include the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, Beneteau Oceanis 41, Beneteau Oceanis 31. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.