I was not stating that Beneteaus have positive flotation. I was stating that I would find positive flotation to be a valuable feature on a keel boat like a Beneteau, in answer to your original question.Interesting. What Beneteaus? I'n not personally aware of any with positive flotation. My real question is what is the rational for wanting it? Sinkings are so rare, and even then the boat awash to its decks is not any better (worse actually in most conditions) than a liferaft.
Beneteau sinkings do happen. Cheeki Rafiki would be the most recent well-publicized example that comes to mind. Beneteaus do have a bit of a checkered reputation for keel bolt issues. Perhaps it is well deserved. Perhaps it is not.
The last time that I went any real distance in a Beneteau was a trip from Miami to OBX. the intended course took us over 100 miles from shore, to cut the corner by Georgia & save time. I happened to be the person in charge of the life raft during that particular excursion. I also kept an eye on the kayak that was strapped in near the bow, because I wanted to have plan B in case something went wrong with the life raft. I always want plan B to be available when I am 100 miles out. If the kayak was not there, a floating hull might present a plan B.
The 79 Fastnet race was my first real wake up call to the dangers of being caught in unforecast energetic storms, even in a good boat. Google "Grimalkin". You will see what I am talking about. I have been caught out there like that more than once. The concept has been firmly reinforced in my perspective.
Jack, at this point, we seem to be taking this conversation pretty far off from the original topic. Would you prefer to start a different thread?