WE HAVE A 2005 373 (SHALLOW KEEL MODEL)WITH AN IN-MAST ROLLER FURLING MAIN THAT WILL NOT POINT UP BEYOND ABOUT 40 DEGREES AND ALSO WILL NOT SAIL IN LIGHT WIND (3-8 KNOTS). SOME HAVE RECOMMENDED A FOLDING MAX PROP TO REPLACE THE 3-BLADE FIXED PROP. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTRUCTORS SAIL WITH US, TO NO AVAIL, RE. THE LIGHT WIND ISSUE. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
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Nothing wrong with your boat
My Beneteau 400 is just a little bit bigger than yours. She needs at least 9 knots to start moving. I thought that was normal. I think 40 degrees sounds reasonable for a shallow keel. You need deeper keel and maybe performance rig (not furling main) to point closer than that. This is the trade-off area for cruising boats. On the brighter side, we do not need to reef early.
My Beneteau 400 is just a little bit bigger than yours. She needs at least 9 knots to start moving. I thought that was normal. I think 40 degrees sounds reasonable for a shallow keel. You need deeper keel and maybe performance rig (not furling main) to point closer than that. This is the trade-off area for cruising boats. On the brighter side, we do not need to reef early.
Beneteau 373
Do you have the shallow keel or the lifting keel? My 323 is a lifting keel model, and I am able to point somewhat better than that, although I do find that I have to reef relatively early to maximize performance and keep heeling within the Admiral's tolerance.
Do you have the shallow keel or the lifting keel? My 323 is a lifting keel model, and I am able to point somewhat better than that, although I do find that I have to reef relatively early to maximize performance and keep heeling within the Admiral's tolerance.
Ease the vang
If you haven't already done it as a matter of routine, be sure that the vang is completely released in light air so that the boom can rise a bit. Also run your jib cars further forward on the tracks so that the jib will become more full. This would help a little. My 323 does quite well this way in light air, though I have a conventional rig with full battened main, and a conventional keel. I can get the boat to poit above 40 degrees. If I fall off a little, the boat speed will obviously come up a bit. I'm in the middle of a propeller debate with myself right now. I'm trying to decide whether its worth it to ditch the conventional 2 blade fixed prop, and go to a feathering prop. Three reasons: 1. sailing speed, 2. reduction of prop walk in reverse, 3. miserable reverse performance.
If you haven't already done it as a matter of routine, be sure that the vang is completely released in light air so that the boom can rise a bit. Also run your jib cars further forward on the tracks so that the jib will become more full. This would help a little. My 323 does quite well this way in light air, though I have a conventional rig with full battened main, and a conventional keel. I can get the boat to poit above 40 degrees. If I fall off a little, the boat speed will obviously come up a bit. I'm in the middle of a propeller debate with myself right now. I'm trying to decide whether its worth it to ditch the conventional 2 blade fixed prop, and go to a feathering prop. Three reasons: 1. sailing speed, 2. reduction of prop walk in reverse, 3. miserable reverse performance.
Vang and prop issue
Thanks for the note on the vang and moving the cars forward. I have never adjusted the vang for 8 years on my boat. Never knew when to.. I did put a max prop 3 blade on my 321 this spring to replace the 3 blade fixed. It is a huge difference. Forward and reverse seems better. Boat speed for sure has been increased. I am very happy I put it on.
Thanks for the note on the vang and moving the cars forward. I have never adjusted the vang for 8 years on my boat. Never knew when to.. I did put a max prop 3 blade on my 321 this spring to replace the 3 blade fixed. It is a huge difference. Forward and reverse seems better. Boat speed for sure has been increased. I am very happy I put it on.
I find the 373 to be a great light air boat
Lake Ontario where I sail often has winds in the 6 to 10 knot range, and I easily reach speeds of 6+ knots on close and beam reaches in light air conditions. I do have a feathering prop which I think adds almost 1/2 knot in light air. Key for me is using the traveler to keep the main full, and adding some depth to the main by easing the outhaul. Most people find the 373 do be over canvassed in heavy air, needing a reef on the main over 12 to 14 knots.
Lake Ontario where I sail often has winds in the 6 to 10 knot range, and I easily reach speeds of 6+ knots on close and beam reaches in light air conditions. I do have a feathering prop which I think adds almost 1/2 knot in light air. Key for me is using the traveler to keep the main full, and adding some depth to the main by easing the outhaul. Most people find the 373 do be over canvassed in heavy air, needing a reef on the main over 12 to 14 knots.
Beneteau After Sales Support
What is the general experience of owners related to after sales repairs and support from Beneteau? I am considering a Beneteau at this time. Best regards
What is the general experience of owners related to after sales repairs and support from Beneteau? I am considering a Beneteau at this time. Best regards
Ease the outhaul
I agree with David move the fairlead forward and ease the outhaul. The advantage of the loose footed main is the flexibility in the outhaul. I may have the car 6-8 inches from the end of the boom in light air. mark
I agree with David move the fairlead forward and ease the outhaul. The advantage of the loose footed main is the flexibility in the outhaul. I may have the car 6-8 inches from the end of the boom in light air. mark
Thanks for your input....
Thanks for your input. The 3-blade prop has awful prop walk, but the prop bites in and goes (forward) when you need it. I'll do some more work on easing the vang, moving jib cars forward, and easing the outhaul. Happy sails to you! Dan
Thanks for your input. The 3-blade prop has awful prop walk, but the prop bites in and goes (forward) when you need it. I'll do some more work on easing the vang, moving jib cars forward, and easing the outhaul. Happy sails to you! Dan
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