Need info on Beneteau

Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
Hi all,
I'm looking to replace my Cat30 and one of the alternatives I have some interest is Beneteau's 321 series. Does anyone have any experience with this brand as it might compare to my Cat30?

Thank you for your opinions,
 

reworb

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Apr 22, 2011
234
Beneteau 311 Ft Myers Beach
I've had a Catalina and I now have a Beneteau. Without addressing the specifics of a particular model I would say all things considered the brands are pretty equal. There are differences in design and finish work etc. the one thing I did prefer about the Catalina was the lead keel whereas my Bene has a cast iron keel but I understand that some Beneteaus do have lead keels. Bottom line I would buy either brand again.
 
Jun 8, 2004
2,841
Catalina 320 Dana Point
On the 3 digit Catalinas a "hull and liner" construction method is used, seat and galley bases are made from fiberglass as part of the liner. Most of the cabin sole is supported on a fiberglass pan with floorboards screwed down, access to space under cushions is a plywood lid on the FG base. On a Bene all the cabin furniture bases are "stick built" so bases are ply with elaborate puzzle shaped plywood covers.
Cat uses a FG box on front and rear for engine covers which are not insulated and noisey when motoring, boxes are easily removed from the boat for service. Bene uses a companionway stair/cover that swings up for access and is insulated with egg crate foam so very quiet when motoring, with insulated removable ply panels in aft cabin.
Catalina usually have 2 equal battery banks of 4D's with a 1-2- both switch, Bene's have a single start battery and 5/6 house batts size 24/27/31, they are switched independently.
For many mechanical items particular to the builder Cat could be characterized as using a KISS engineering approach and Bene a more " French engineering" approach. Organizer at mast plate on a Cat is stainless sheet with holes punched for shackles and turning blocks, French make a forged casting with machined hardened steel pin. Cat uses a FG companionway hatch with boards, Bene a plate glass hatch, etc.
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,532
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Might consider a Beneteau 331 also.
I have chartered one several times; nice boat. Don’t know what current prices are running now, probably under 50 depending on year & condition. Think they were manufactured for about 8 years, ending sometime in 05.
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
I've had mine for 12 years. Doug M, 19 I think. I can stand up in the vee cabin. 12 volt fridge. ENgine/shore water heater. Transom shower, lots of storage. propane stove/oven. Good size bunks- especially the aft. Heavy duty deck hardware- line stoppers/toe rail CLEATS. Roller can hold a 35 CQR. Strong shelf for windlass. Good access to wire/plumbing. OH, the first weekend I had it, a female guest said, "That's not a HEAD, that's a BATHROOM- and was my primary choice for buying the 323. Doug?
 
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DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
I've had mine for 12 years. Doug M, 19 I think. I can stand up in the vee cabin. 12 volt fridge. ENgine/shore water heater. Transom shower, lots of storage. propane stove/oven. Good size bunks- especially the aft. Heavy duty deck hardware- line stoppers/toe rail CLEATS. Roller can hold a 35 CQR. Strong shelf for windlass. Good access to wire/plumbing. OH, the first weekend I had it, a female guest said, "That's not a HEAD, that's a BATHROOM- and was my primary choice for buying the 323. Doug?
I have actually only had my 323 for 14 years. 2004 was the firsr year they were built.
We had been looking at the 323 and a comparable Catalina. Both good boats and comparable in cost at the time. The head was the deal cincher for my wife.
Since I am tall (6’7”), the ability to amost stand upright in the main cabin was definitely a plus.
My boat had the 2GM Yanmar diesel, and the 3GM was an option. The 2 is adequate for my needs.
There is plenty of storage room, although I keep what I can off the boat to save weight. I guess thats the former racer in me; anything to get more speed.
The boat sails well, but can feel a bit tender until its trimmed out properly.
The primary winches are Lewmar 30s, which are OK, but I would have preferred 40s.