The newest member of the Beneteau line proves that elegance and style are not restricted to its bigger siblings.

As the entry-level boat, the Beneteau 31 embodies the same philosophy as the other members of the Beneteau line: to create a family cruiser par excellence - beautiful to look at, comfortable to live aboard and seaworthy.“The second in this latest range of premiering models also combines elegance with ingenuity for comfortable cruising with friends and family or easy single handing,” Beneteau USA President Wayne Burdick said. “She combines functionality with great visual appeal and real pizzazz in a size of boat where design panache often comes in a poor second to function.”

The 31 cruising yacht follows the striking Groupe Finot lines and the high style of Nauta Design of the recently unveiled Beneteau 37 to a new scale. With its sharp profile and sleek coachroof, the 31 also incorporates innovative features like the patented companionway hatch and extremely practical cockpit lift-opening locker that is unique to her size.

The designers of the 31 focused on ensuring that comfort was not sacrificed for function and style. The cockpit allows freedom of movement around the wheel and has a spacious transom skirt and its unique lifting locker. Beneteau’s patented companionway system, with its foldable, sliding hatch, leads to an impressive cabin that will become the high bar in design excellence for boat builders.

 

The new design gives priority to the shared areas of the boat. To create a spacious, ergonomically-designed cockpit, generous salon and the largest galley in its category. A great deal of detail has gone into the design of the interior to create maximum space with abundant natural light.

The challenge was to create the maximum living space, so on this boat you’ll see a galley that is probably the best in its class, with paired stainless steel sinks area arranged lengthwise to provide the greatest work surface.” Burdick said. “The very comfortable salon emphasizes space and light, making use of two hull side ports as well as coachroof ports to create a bright, airy feel.”

“The Beneteau 31 will be built in Marion, SC,” Burdick said. “She will be is offered in a two-cabin layout with a large head/shower compartment and grand salon.”

Geoff McCord, Beneteau regional sales manager, said the Beneteau 31 impressed him during its unveiling at the Paris International Boat Show in December."This was a pleasant surprise; the boat has a roomy feel below and in the cockpit,” he said. “ The outside styling--carried down from the 37--really looks stunning. Like the new 37, the new 31 will look great in the water and perform under sail.”

The Beneteau 31 made its North American premier at the Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show in February and its next appearance will be on the West coast at Strictly Sail Pacific, April 16-20, 2008.