Design and Construction
The Oceanis 311 is a moderate-displacement monohull of solid fiberglass below the waterline, with a deck that typically uses a balsa core. The hull was adapted not only for the 31.7 but also for the First 310, First 31.7, and Stardust 311, confirming a versatile Finot platform. Underbody options split two ways: a bulb-tipped fin keel with a spade rudder, or a shoal-draft lifting-keel centerboard arrangement with twin rudders on some boats, the latter also noted as a lower-aspect spade with the prop and shaft housed in a skeg. The cored deck brings the familiar risk of water intrusion at penetrations—stanchions, cleats, chainplates—unless those details have been well-sealed over the years, and keels of cast iron on certain versions require corrosion vigilance.
Rig and Handling
The 311 carries a fractional sloop rig on aluminum spars with 1x19 stainless standing rigging: forestay, backstay, single spreaders, and single lowers. The standard furler headsail is only about 110%, and the main is less roachy than the First’s, so the boat gives up some standard sail area, a point test sailors felt when she lacked sail area for the weather in a 7-knot apparent gust yet still slid along easily when given enough push. Sail handling is practical—lazyjacks guide the lowered sail into a zippered boom bag, a rigid vang holds the main, and a single-sheave block well up the leech handles the reefing line while the mainsheet straddles the main hatch. On the water she sails like a slightly sportier cruiser; PHRF ratings sit in a middle band that reflects cruiser-performance intent rather than pure racing pedigree. A relatively long waterline for the length helps her track cleanly in beam and quartering seas, though in steep, confused conditions the lighter displacement means a livelier motion than heavier full-keel cruisers.
Accommodations
Below, the 311 makes the most of its length with beam carried fairly aft and a long waterline that makes the companionway and cockpit feel larger than the nominal LOA. Two-cabin layouts are optimized for liveability: a double-berth cabin on the port side aft, a double V-berth in the forepeak, a practical galley to port (or starboard per other records), and a bathroom with a small navigation area to starboard. A centreline table serves the saloon, headroom is a fraction under 6 feet, and the main hatch is of the same clear material as the cabin roof below it. The forward V-berth and modest but serviceable head round out a package aimed at cruising or charter use, with wide sidedecks and a relatively protected, wheel-steered cockpit above.
Known Issues
The cored deck is the source of the boat’s most documented weakness: moisture migrating into the deck core at hatches and hardware, occasional delamination or stress near chainplate beds, and some failures or wear in lift-keel mechanisms on boats so equipped. The lifting-keel option increases versatility for shoal waters and trailer-or-beach situations but adds complexity through its windlass and lifting gear that becomes a maintenance focus. Some owners have reported structural repairs around chainplates or local hull cracking after heavy loads.
Refits and Ownership
Commonly recommended improvements begin with re-bedding of deck hardware to arrest the core-water path, then upgrading seacocks and raw-water systems, and inspecting or refurbishing the lift-keel mechanism where fitted. Investing in modern electronics and a good sail wardrobe extends the boat’s utility and resale appeal. The standard 311 and better-equipped Clipper versions differ in that the Clipper leads many controls more neatly aft, a useful trait for short-handed sailing.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 311 is a clever Finot hull that punches above its 32 feet under sail and at anchor, borrowing a race-derived bottom to deliver volume and a fast hull in a manageable package. Its weaknesses are concentrated in the cored deck and optional lifting gear, both addressable with disciplined ownership.
Pros
- Race-line hull shared with the 31.7 gives internal volume and a fast hull
- Long waterline makes cockpit and companionway feel larger than LOA
- Fractional rig with practical sail-handling details (lazyjacks, rigid vang, reef block)
- Clipper version leads controls aft for easier short-handed cruising
Cons
- Balsa-cored deck prone to water intrusion at hardware and hatches
- Chainplate beds subject to delamination or stress; some hull cracking reported
- Lifting-keel models add windlass and mechanism complexity with wear risk
- Cast-iron keels on some versions need corrosion attention
