Beneteau Oceanis road transport

[ANNA Oceanis 351]

Dear Beneteau Owners,
I have an Ocenais 351, 1996 currently on the hard in Rouen, France. I have just had her hull repaired after an accident in the river Rhone which cracked her internal structural spars and her outer hull. I wish to transport her back to Chatham, Kent to have the work assessed by an English marine surveyor as I am unhappy with the quality of the work. The French surveyor is supporting the engineering company even though the floor structs are not level, needing a sponge packer to level the flooring and the fibreglass matting is exposed in a couple of places with little gel coat. I want to ship her home but I am concerned that, as I have been told, you cannot allow the yacht to sit on its keel. Is this true and if so how do I ship her back as most companies will only transport the yacht if sitting on the keel. Maurice

 

[Gunni]

The vessel sits on its keel but the hull is transported with adjustable jacks on the hull. A reputable transport company will know how to do it. HOWEVER, since you appear to have a claim with the repair facility you may want to instead leave your vessel in their custody and bring your inspector to them. Once you move the boat your claim diminishes.

 

[Will Gilmore]

since you appear to have a claim with the repair facility you may want to instead leave your vessel in their custody and bring your inspector to them. Once you move the boat your claim diminishes.

Ha ha ha, I was going to suggest that same thing. It seems like the cheapest first step. You never know, you might find out something that makes the transport a bad idea. Your damages sound pretty severe.
- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

First is this a twin keel? Secondly, I would suggest contacting Beneteau in France or at the American plant in South Carolina, USA but probably your boat was built in France for the best solution.