The Beneteau 31 2007 vs Beneteau First 20 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau 31 2007 measures 31,8 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 10,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 21,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau 31 2007 tips the scales at 10 692 lbs — 7 947 lbs more than the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 21 hp for the Beneteau 31 2007 and 10 hp for the Beneteau First 20 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau 31 2007 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau First 20 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau 31 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau 31 2007 displaces 10 692 lbs — a 7 947-lb difference over the Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,1 ft and 5,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau 31 2007 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau 31 2007 uses a 1 wheel versus a 1 tiller on the Beneteau First 20 2013. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau 31 2007 carries a 21-hp engine against 10 hp on the Beneteau First 20 2013. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
The Beneteau First 20 2013 is trailerable — a genuine advantage for sailors who prefer to keep their boat at home or explore multiple sailing venues. Hull speed is rated at 7,2 knots for the Beneteau 31 2007 and 6,0 knots for the Beneteau First 20 2013.
Bottom line: The Beneteau 31 2007 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 10 692 lbs displacement and 32 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 20 2013 at 2 745 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option and is trailerable — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.