The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 vs Beneteau First 310 1990 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Beneteau First 31.7 1997 at 31,6 ft versus Beneteau First 310 1990 at 31,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 tips the scales at 8 267 lbs - 110 lbs more than the Beneteau First 310 1990 at 8 157 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 First 31.7 1997 and 18 hp for the Beneteau First 310 1990. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau First 310 1990 carries 17 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 31.7 1997. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 9 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket - 8 267 lbs for the Beneteau First 31.7 1997 and 8 157 lbs for the Beneteau First 310 1990. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth - 6,2 ft and 6,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 310 1990 and 7,2 knots for the Beneteau First 31.7 1997.
Bottom line: The Beneteau First 31.7 1997 and Beneteau First 310 1990 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.