The 311 shares its hull with the Beneteau 31.7. The same shape was originally drawn in the early ’90s as a one-design hull for the Figaro race. In racer trim it was water-ballasted, but its lines were identical to those of the production cruiser. The result was intended to give couples or small families a boat that felt larger under sail than its length might suggest.
Design and Construction
The Oceanis 311 measures 32 feet 3 inches overall, with a 28-foot-8-inch waterline carried well aft and a beam of 10 feet 6 inches. It is a moderate-displacement monohull, with solid fiberglass below the waterline and a deck that typically uses a balsa core.
The hull was also adapted for the 31.7, First 310, First 31.7, and Stardust 311, confirming the versatility of Finot’s platform.
There were two main underbody configurations. One combined a bulb-tipped fin keel with a spade rudder. The other was a shoal-draft, lifting-keel centerboard arrangement, with twin rudders on some boats. The latter is also described as having a lower-aspect spade, with the propeller and shaft housed in a skeg. Certain versions have cast-iron keels, which require vigilance for corrosion.
The cored deck presents the familiar risk of water intrusion at penetrations, including stanchions, cleats, and chainplates, unless those fittings have been kept well sealed over the years.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The 311 has a fractional sloop rig with aluminum spars and 1x19 stainless standing rigging: forestay, backstay, single spreaders, and single lowers. Its standard furling headsail is only about 110%, and the mainsail has less roach than the First’s. The boat therefore gives up some standard sail area. Test sailors noticed this when it lacked sail area for the weather in a 7-knot apparent gust, although it still slid along easily once given enough push.
Sail handling is practical. Lazyjacks guide the lowered mainsail into a zippered boom bag, while a rigid vang supports the main. A single-sheave block positioned well up the leech handles the reefing line, and the mainsheet straddles the main hatch.
On the water, the 311 sails like a slightly sportier cruiser. Its PHRF ratings fall in a middle band, reflecting cruiser-performance intent rather than a pure racing pedigree. The relatively long waterline helps it track cleanly in beam and quartering seas. In steep, confused conditions, however, its lighter displacement produces a livelier motion than that of heavier full-keel cruisers.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The 311 makes good use of its length. With the beam carried fairly far aft and a long waterline, the companionway and cockpit feel larger than the nominal LOA might suggest. The cockpit is relatively protected and wheel-steered, with wide sidedecks alongside.
The two-cabin layout is optimized for liveability. It includes a double-berth cabin aft to port, a double V-berth in the forepeak, a practical galley to port—or to starboard according to other records—and a bathroom with a small navigation area to starboard.
A centreline table serves the saloon, and headroom is a fraction under 6 feet. The main hatch is made from the same clear material as the cabin roof below it. The forward V-berth and modest but serviceable head complete an interior intended for cruising or charter use.
Known Issues
The cored deck is the source of the boat’s most documented weakness. Reported concerns include moisture migrating into the deck core at hatches and hardware, occasional delamination or stress near chainplate beds, and some failures or wear in the lifting-keel mechanisms on boats so equipped. Some owners have also reported structural repairs around chainplates or local hull cracking after heavy loads.
The lifting keel adds versatility in shoal waters and for trailer-or-beach situations, but its windlass and lifting gear also add complexity and become a maintenance focus.
Refits and Ownership
Commonly recommended improvements start with re-bedding deck hardware to stop water from reaching the core. Owners should also upgrade seacocks and raw-water systems and inspect or refurbish the lifting-keel mechanism where fitted.
Modern electronics and a good sail wardrobe can extend the boat’s utility and resale appeal. The standard 311 and the better-equipped Clipper version differ in how their controls are arranged: the Clipper leads many controls more neatly aft, which is useful when sailing short-handed.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 311 combines a clever Finot hull with a manageable 32-foot cruising package. Its race-derived bottom provides internal volume and a fast hull, allowing the boat to punch above its length both under sail and at anchor. Its main weaknesses are concentrated in the cored deck and optional lifting gear, both of which are addressable with disciplined ownership.
Pros
- Race-line hull shared with the 31.7 provides internal volume and a fast hull
- Long waterline makes the cockpit and companionway feel larger than the LOA suggests
- Fractional rig includes practical sail-handling features such as lazyjacks, a rigid vang, and a reefing block
- Clipper version leads controls aft for easier short-handed cruising
Cons
- Balsa-cored deck is prone to water intrusion at hardware and hatches
- Chainplate beds may suffer delamination or stress; some hull cracking has been reported
- Lifting-keel models add windlass and mechanism complexity, with a risk of wear
- Cast-iron keels on some versions require attention to corrosion
