Beneteau 235 information

[Flyindiver]

I am in the process of looking around for my first boat and have stumbled onto a 1989 First 235. I have gathered a few good ideas on general inspection items from the archives and some other forums but are there some particular nuances to these boats that warrant a little closer inspection or some known trouble spots I should be on the lookout for?

I know that some of the running rigging needs replaced and will more than likely still get a full survey of the boat before purchase anyway to check everything over better than I am able to. One are that I know needs attention is the windows and forward hatch. They are all crazed and spiderwebbed. Are parts still available for these boats and are there issues or pitfalls in replacing these items as an owner? Any insight and experiences would be greatly appreciated. I am a moderatley experienced sailor but each boat performs a little different so if I purchase I would probably be looking for some Beneteau experience around the Lake Pontchartrain, LA northshore that might be able to familiarize me with the inner working of the boat.

Eric

 

[Jackdaw]

I owned one for years.

The hatch glass can be replaced, or the whole hatch can.

The glass for the non-opening port can be had from Beneteau.

Check the transom seam for damage. Make sure keel bolt are not terribly rusted. Its a dry boat generally so normally not a problem. Nor is wet deck; I've never known a 235 to suffer that.

The headliner (if not replaced yet) will fail and sag. Expect to replace that at some time.

Head over to the 235 site. Its the best owner-supported boat under 30 feet.

http://www.beneteau235.com/

 

[Flyindiver]

Saw your site

I owned one for years.

The hatch glass can be replaced, or the whole hatch can.

The glass for the non-opening port can be had from Beneteau.

Check the transom seam for damage. Make sure keel bolt are not terribly rusted. Its a dry boat generally so normally not a problem. Nor is wet deck; I've never known a 235 to suffer that.

The headliner (if not replaced yet) will fail and sag. Expect to replace that at some time.

Head over to the 235 site. Its the best owner-supported boat under 30 feet.

http://www.beneteau235.com/

I have been all over the 235 owners site and really taken alot forom there already and have even been through just about all of your site and the videos from what you did with your boat. I planned on the port windows some time if I get the boat and get her on the hard. I think they look nice and since the little woman saw them and liked them... so I am sure it will be done!

The headliner on this one was not that bad. It does need some attention but was not sagging yet. The teak is in rough shape outside but that just takes a little elbow grease. Inside the lights are not square like yours on the LED mod videos. These are flimsy circle shaped lights that seem to be loosely attached to the cabin top. Didn't get too far into investigating their potential for LED options. Seems so much to do if one wants to. My Beneteau experience is limited to a few sails on a 7.5 so I have a bit to learn about this particular boat and its rigging.

Eric

 

[Jackdaw]

I have been all over the 235 owners site and really taken alot forom there already and have even been through just about all of your site and the videos from what you did with your boat. I planned on the port windows some time if I get the boat and get her on the hard. I think they look nice and since the little woman saw them and liked them... so I am sure it will be done!

The headliner on this one was not that bad. It does need some attention but was not sagging yet. The teak is in rough shape outside but that just takes a little elbow grease. Inside the lights are not square like yours on the LED mod videos. These are flimsy circle shaped lights that seem to be loosely attached to the cabin top. Didn't get too far into investigating their potential for LED options. Seems so much to do if one wants to. My Beneteau experience is limited to a few sails on a 7.5 so I have a bit to learn about this particular boat and its rigging.

Eric

Eric,

I can warn you now that is your read too much of what I have written on what I have done to my boats, you will FOR SURE spend too much money! ;^)

The windows are a great add to the 235. The lights will accept the LED bulbs, they are the same under the plastic.

That's great that you have sailed the FC7.5... I am assuming the ones that Murray has... HAS to be. We have sailed one as well, we were/are thinking about buying one for racing so we chartered one for a weekend last month. Great times. Its a quick little boat.

 

[Flyindiver]

It was out of Murray's when I was sailing with them and finally got around to getting my ASA cert. I am trying to contain myself but it looks like I am going to take the plunge on this boat if I can work it right with the broker. I am trying to find someone in the area with some 235 knowledge to get me heading on the right track for the 235. It is quite different from teh Flying Scot I have been sailing.

 

[Jackdaw]

I don't know any 235ers in the NOLA area.... otherwise I'd put you in contact. If you have any questions as you proceed, feel free to PM me.

clay

 

[Ron20324]

in '94 I was looking into buying a 25-foot boat ... until I found a 235. I fell for it, and bought it. Mods are nice, but you can do them as you have the time and/or money. You'll love the larger-boat features.