The Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 measures 29,6 feet overall (1983), giving it roughly 4,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 at 25,4 feet (1990). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 tips the scales at 6 834 lbs — 661 lbs less than the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 at 6 173 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 — 15 hp for the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 and 18 hp for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 carries 13 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 6 173 lbs for the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 and 6 834 lbs for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 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 — 5,5 ft and 5,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,7 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 and 6,6 knots for the Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Arcadia Fin keel 1983 at 29,6 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 at 25,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.