The Oceanis 281 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass. It has a masthead sloop rig, a slightly raked stem, a reverse transom, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel or tiller, and has a fixed fin keel with a weighted bulb. It displaces 5,732 lb (2,600 kg) and carries 1,676 lb (760 kg) of ballast.[1][3]
The boat has a draft of 4.00 ft (1.22 m) with the standard keel fitted.[1][3]
The boat is fitted with a Swedish Volvo MD2020 diesel engine of 18 hp (13 kW). The fuel tank holds 8 U.S. gallons (30 L; 6.7 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 50 U.S. gallons (190 L; 42 imp gal).[1][3]
The design has a hull speed of 6.63 kn (12.28 km/h).[3]