Part of Beneteau's popular Oceanis line, this 28-foot sailboat represents the French manufacturer's commitment to accessible cruising performance. While detailed specifications remain limited, the 281 fits squarely into Beneteau's philosophy of creating boats that balance comfort with sailing capability for recreational sailors. The Oceanis 281 appears designed primarily for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking a manageable boat that doesn't sacrifice sailing enjoyment. Beneteau's reputation for thoughtful interior layouts likely extends to this model, with efficient use of space being a hallmark of their designs in this size range. At 28 feet, this sailboat offers enough size to provide reasonable accommodation while remaining trailer-friendly for those seeking flexibility in storage and launching locations. The boat would appeal to couples or small families looking for their first cruising sailboat or experienced sailors wanting to downsize without giving up essential comforts. Given Beneteau's established design philosophy, the 281 likely features moderate draft for versatility in various anchorages, while maintaining enough stability and performance to make sailing genuinely rewarding rather than merely functional.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
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What is the Oceanis 281 Beneteau's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Oceanis 281 Beneteau has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
How much does a Oceanis 281 Beneteau weigh?
The Oceanis 281 Beneteau has a displacement of 7,275 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.35 ft.
How much does a used Oceanis 281 Beneteau cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Oceanis 281 Beneteau sailboats typically sell for between $28,500 and $35,000, with a median asking price of $29,900. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Oceanis 281 Beneteau?
The Oceanis 281 Beneteau was designed by Jean Berret, first built in 1986.