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Fbfisher · 16-01-2021, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryo

Just picking up on this thread and find it interesting.

I came real close to getting the Beneteau 42 recently and am glad I didn't. The killer items were some of the absolutely stupid French designs that just weren't practical, but looked cute. Also, seriously was concerned about support.

I’ve found the support from the customer service team in Marion, SC very responsive. I’ve had nothing but positive experience the few times I’ve needed info or parts from them

I’m interested to know more about what year boat you were looking at and what you found stupid about the design. To us, the 423 seems very sensible, and better in many ways than the 2 cabin Catalina 42s which was our 2nd choice.

Larryo · 16-01-2021, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fbfisher

I’ve found the support from the customer service team in Marion, SC very responsive. I’ve had nothing but positive experience the few times I’ve needed info or parts from them

I’m interested to know more about what year boat you were looking at and what you found stupid about the design. To us, the 423 seems very sensible, and better in many ways than the 2 cabin Catalina 42s which was our 2nd choice.

Should have clarified, looked at the Beneteau 42 Motor yacht, not a sailboat, which I know nothing about. And the dealer services wasn't the issue, it was the Volvo engine service that was bad. (yes, I've had 3 Volvo engines, and the services and parts supply remains bad).

There's two heads in the boat, BOTH WET showers.... STUPID! And the French sinks, like a pedestal sing is totally inappropriate. Then the mast, just a tad higher that most of the ICW bridges.... they never thought of that. Electrical is confusing. Lots of customer nit picking complaints about small items. I could go on, but won't.

If one fixed all of the above, and got the Yanmar engines, it could be a fine boat.

capblasters · 17-01-2021, 00:50

We have a 2012 Benneteau Ocenis and am thrilled at how she's behaving 8 years on. Sails well, single-handed or not. Yes, they're production yachts. The Oceanis are built for cruising, the First for racing. Marginal differences of course but essentially the same quality of design.
Benneteau has been popular in the charter businesses likely because of quality/price. That affects the 2nd hand market as they get replaced every 3-5 years depending on the market and the Euro.
Is a 2nd hand charter boat one to go for? A good survey will answer that for you. Watch for things like cracks near the keep attachment, pull the bolts (one at a time) and check them for stress. If they've been sailed hard a good survey will tell you. But in my experience, they're usually a good deal for the savvy buyer. The more you put in ahead of purchase the more satisfied you will be.

DMF Sailing · 17-01-2021, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanosc

Hey everyone so I am seeing a lot of these boats for sail and generally the price seems a lot lower than other boats for newer year models. Is there a specific reason for this? Something in the quality of the build? Cost to maintain? General ability in the ocean?

I am curious because it looks like there is a lot of good deal but I cant help but feel hesitant.

Any explanation would be greatly appreciated.

I'm new to CF, but not new to these boats! I love day-sailing both Bennies and Jennies. They are fast, stable in not-to-challenging conditions, roomy below, and comfy for an overnight or two.

I was on the maiden voyage a brand-spanking new Jenneau recently. A winch jammed and we had to replace it (ok, maybe not Jenneau's fault) and a long strip of siding peeled off from the companionway (that's on them), creating a leak on our first day.

My bet is that if you're planning to cruise harbor to harbor and make fast passages, they are great. The old salts at the marina say they aren't suited to "bluewater passages" but what do I know. For day passage/night living they seem fine.

Here's a picture of the Jenneau 389 at anchor in Provincetown Harbor. Nice boat.

**boatman61** · 18-01-2021, 06:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

I'm new to CF, but not new to these boats! The old salts at the marina say they aren't suited to "bluewater passages" but what do I know. For day passage/night living they seem fine.

Here's a picture of the Jenneau 389 at anchor in Provincetown Harbor. Nice boat.

Loadsa rubbish.. I have solo'd a Bene 321 from the Caribe to the UK nonstop and a few years later solo'd a Bene 351 from the Caribe via the Azores and Portugal to the UK..
No worries at all.. mind conditions were reasonably benign, worst were a couple of F8's and 6metre seas..

DMF Sailing · 18-01-2021, 13:33

The old salts at the marina say they aren't suited to "bluewater passages"

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

Loadsa rubbish..

Theory: Lots of stuff old salts at marinas say runs the risk of being rubbish, depending on the salt and the topic....

wingssail · 18-01-2021, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

The old salts at the marina say they aren't suited to "bluewater passages"

Theory: Lots of stuff old salts at marinas say runs the risk of being rubbish, depending on the salt and the topic....

Too many "old salts at the marina" are little more than armchair sailors these days who've been stationary at the marina for far too many years"

**Pete7** · 19-01-2021, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

The old salts at the marina say they aren't suited to "bluewater passages"

Theory: Lots of stuff old salts at marinas say runs the risk of being rubbish, depending on the salt and the topic....

Lets hope they don't see this then:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfSE...=SailingBeaver

goboatingnow · 19-01-2021, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

Loadsa rubbish.. I have solo'd a Bene 321 from the Caribe to the UK nonstop and a few years later solo'd a Bene 351 from the Caribe via the Azores and Portugal to the UK..
No worries at all.. mind conditions were reasonably benign, worst were a couple of F8's and 6metre seas..

absolutely spot on Boaty, The "old salts" haven't a clue

stulk75 · 18-01-2021, 05:43

I wonder how many people who think about buying a former charter boat have chartered said boat, or model, or even an on the way out boat (eg 3-5 years old) from the charter company?

Some of the smaller charter outfits will let you try before you buy, using your week long charter towards the purchase of that boat (or some other boat for their fleet).

Zzmeyer · 19-01-2021, 06:09

For warranty and service you deal with the dealer and not the factory. Very few manufacturers make their boats in the US. The dealer network is key and Beneteau, in general, has a great network. My new Jeanneau arrives in San Diego today for commissioning. For some reason, Jeanneau has re-aligned several major US dealers. San Diego is now serviced out of Seattle (but uses the same guy that has always done San Diego). The Beneteau group also has a number of very helpful user groups.

Dr. D · 19-01-2021, 06:30

Zz is correct and dealing with the dealer rather than the factory can have benefits.

In our boat the microwave is plugged into an outlet which is installed in the top of a galley cabinet. That is, the plug plugs in going up (I used to have a picture showing that). A few months after we got the boat the outlet failed. No issue, the dealer replaced it. Early last year the new outlet failed. Oh, problem: The Beneteau factories and warehouses were shut down due to the pandemic. After nearly two months it still wasn't clear when the factory part would be available. The dealer sent one of his techs out with various marine electrical outlets. The guy found one that would fit and meet specs, then installed it.

Rohan · 19-01-2021, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanosc

Hey everyone so I am seeing a lot of these boats for sail and generally the price seems a lot lower than other boats for newer year models. Is there a specific reason for this? Something in the quality of the build? Cost to maintain? General ability in the ocean?

I am curious because it looks like there is a lot of good deal but I cant help but feel hesitant.

To answer the original question, there is nothing particularly wrong with Bennies and Jeanneaus, if there were, they wouldn't sell so many. The prices are a little lower because of supply and demand, there are so many of them on the market that the supply is high. That is especially true of the more popular models that were purchased in large numbers for charter fleets (such as the Beneteau 473). So that means that you can find a very good deal on some of them. The downside is that when it's time for you to sell the boat, it could take a long time and you won't make a killing on it.

Generally, the quality of the smaller brands tend to be a little better. But most of the major components, engine, winches, etc are made by the same companies across all brands.The styling and layout of Beneteau and Jeanneau also tend to be for as broad a consumer base as possible, generally the coastal cruising market, and may not be to your particular needs or personal taste.