Beneteau First 285 vs Beneteau Oceanis 281
How do the Beneteau First 285 and Beneteau Oceanis 281 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 285 
Beneteau Oceanis 281 | Beneteau First 285 | Beneteau Oceanis 281 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.2 ft8.58 m | 28.5 ft8.69 m |
| Waterline length | 24.3 ft7.39 m | 24.5 ft7.47 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 9.4 ft2.87 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.60 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 6,160 lb2,794 kg | 5,732 lb2,600 kg |
| Ballast | 2,115 lb959 kg | 1,676 lb760 kg |
| Sail area | 340 ft²31.6 m² | 335 ft²31.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.19 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 193 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.8 | 17.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.6 |
Beneteau First 285 vs Beneteau Oceanis 281: the short version
- The Beneteau First 285 and Beneteau Oceanis 281 are close in length (28.2 ft8.58 m vs 28.5 ft8.69 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau Oceanis 281 carries the more powerful rig (16.7 vs 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Beneteau First 285 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau Oceanis 281 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.