The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 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 Sun Fast 32i 2001 measures 31,6 feet overall (2001), giving it roughly 6,2 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 32i 2001 tips the scales at 12 170 lbs — 5 336 lbs less than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 at 6 834 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 — 18 hp for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 and 29 hp for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001. 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 32i 2001 carries 19 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990. 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 Sun Fast 32i 2001 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 Sun Fast 32i 2001 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 displaces 12 170 lbs — a 5 336-lb difference over the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 at 6 834 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 — 5,8 ft and 6,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 carries a 29-hp engine against 18 hp on the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 7,1 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 and 6,7 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 carries 45 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i 2001 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 12 170 lbs displacement and 32 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 1990 at 6 834 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.