We're looking for comments/opinions from owners of three models: 411's 381's and 373's We're buying and are looking for a spacious 2-cabin cruiser. Any inside help comparing these 3 models is very appreciated!
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why not 393?
The 393 does not have the setee accross from the dining area. we are hoping to have a large open entertainment area with seating on both sides. The 393 doesn't have that. Also, one thing the 411 has over the 393 in my opinion is that the nav station in the 411 is minimal, taking up less space (something i like). I need to visit a 411 to check the headroom, though, as i'm 6'3''. Have visited a 373 which was excellent on headroom in all compartments.
The 393 does not have the setee accross from the dining area. we are hoping to have a large open entertainment area with seating on both sides. The 393 doesn't have that. Also, one thing the 411 has over the 393 in my opinion is that the nav station in the 411 is minimal, taking up less space (something i like). I need to visit a 411 to check the headroom, though, as i'm 6'3''. Have visited a 373 which was excellent on headroom in all compartments.
Hey dwc I was going to say that
but paul said he was looking for input from owners of those three.
Now that you've gotten over that hurdle I'll add my two cents worth. paul, that's quite a range you're looking at. They're all decent boats but I think a close look at your budget might help you refine your choice. The 411 is fine but if you're going that size go for the 423, much prettier and nearly the same price for a new 423 as a late model 411. I have heard that the 373 is not the best sailing boat in the "3" series. Very ugly too, freeboard is much too high for such a short boat. 381 I don't know anything about so we'll skip that one. Now the 393 I do know, well laid out, sails very well, not the prettiest as the freeboard is a tad high but down below she's a dream (second head is bigger than the one on the 423), pullman berth is a little tight, saloon is spacious, storage is very good, galley is well thought out, a few small problems ( see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beneteau393/) but overall it was my choice. OK, I may be a bit biased. Check out the website.
but paul said he was looking for input from owners of those three.
Now that you've gotten over that hurdle I'll add my two cents worth. paul, that's quite a range you're looking at. They're all decent boats but I think a close look at your budget might help you refine your choice. The 411 is fine but if you're going that size go for the 423, much prettier and nearly the same price for a new 423 as a late model 411. I have heard that the 373 is not the best sailing boat in the "3" series. Very ugly too, freeboard is much too high for such a short boat. 381 I don't know anything about so we'll skip that one. Now the 393 I do know, well laid out, sails very well, not the prettiest as the freeboard is a tad high but down below she's a dream (second head is bigger than the one on the 423), pullman berth is a little tight, saloon is spacious, storage is very good, galley is well thought out, a few small problems ( see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beneteau393/) but overall it was my choice. OK, I may be a bit biased. Check out the website.In regards to 393
... and also, there is an option to have that additional seating your looking for in the 393, in place of the standard design with the unique cabinetry in the saloon.
... and also, there is an option to have that additional seating your looking for in the 393, in place of the standard design with the unique cabinetry in the saloon.
373 Sailing Performance
Since we have had our 373, numerous Annapolis racing sailors have been aboard. They have, all, complimented the boat on handling and sailing performance and speed. Each was very surprised at the changes in the Oceanis series. One would need to actually sail the boat to provide solid advice. It is true, the 423 is the better choice, over the 411. Though, only because the lines are much prettier. While the 373's lines are not pretty, in some opinions, the headroom inside is pheonomenal! We love our 373. It is solid in rough water. It is as fast as many cruising boats. (It isn't a First, for sure.) It is a Beneteau.
Since we have had our 373, numerous Annapolis racing sailors have been aboard. They have, all, complimented the boat on handling and sailing performance and speed. Each was very surprised at the changes in the Oceanis series. One would need to actually sail the boat to provide solid advice. It is true, the 423 is the better choice, over the 411. Though, only because the lines are much prettier. While the 373's lines are not pretty, in some opinions, the headroom inside is pheonomenal! We love our 373. It is solid in rough water. It is as fast as many cruising boats. (It isn't a First, for sure.) It is a Beneteau.
B 411
I sail a 411 and headroom is fine, I'm also 6'3". Look carefully at the forward berth in the 423. I think the 411 has more length while the 423 is tight at our height. In the main salon we use two wooden telescope chairs for a crowd at dinner. They fit in the lazarette (two cabin model). The 411 freeboard is lower, and we've been very happy with its sailing performance.
I sail a 411 and headroom is fine, I'm also 6'3". Look carefully at the forward berth in the 423. I think the 411 has more length while the 423 is tight at our height. In the main salon we use two wooden telescope chairs for a crowd at dinner. They fit in the lazarette (two cabin model). The 411 freeboard is lower, and we've been very happy with its sailing performance.
393
Hmmmmm . . . and that is what the owner of the 393 in the next slip tells me. I better not sail a 393, huh? But, I still love the brand new 423 with the green hull, that is sitting up on the stands at Annapolis Yacht Sales. It is pretty.
Hmmmmm . . . and that is what the owner of the 393 in the next slip tells me. I better not sail a 393, huh? But, I still love the brand new 423 with the green hull, that is sitting up on the stands at Annapolis Yacht Sales. It is pretty.
Big 393 Fan
On second thought ... I think if I was going to have a lot of people on my boat, I would still take the standard design on the 393 starboard side instead of taking the option where it is instead converted to seating. Some of my friend would rather stand and have a place to balance their drinks, rather then the extra room to sit. Dan In regards to 393 ... and also, there is an option to have that additional seating your looking for in the 393, in place of the standard design with the unique cabinetry in the saloon.
On second thought ... I think if I was going to have a lot of people on my boat, I would still take the standard design on the 393 starboard side instead of taking the option where it is instead converted to seating. Some of my friend would rather stand and have a place to balance their drinks, rather then the extra room to sit. Dan In regards to 393 ... and also, there is an option to have that additional seating your looking for in the 393, in place of the standard design with the unique cabinetry in the saloon.
Agree on the 393
I recently upgraded from a B311. I looked seriously at a tricked out out 411 (limited edition with blue hull, full electronic package, lots of eye candy), but really like the interior space of the 393. For my needs, the "standard" cabinet work on the starboard side provided much needed storage space, but still leaves considerable room for entertaining below. I also find the light considerable better in the 393 due to the skylights (which have not leaked on my boat). Last, the 393 us a much better performing boat than the 411 (IMHO). Guess its all a matter of personal preference, but I have no regrets in getting the 393 over the 411.
I recently upgraded from a B311. I looked seriously at a tricked out out 411 (limited edition with blue hull, full electronic package, lots of eye candy), but really like the interior space of the 393. For my needs, the "standard" cabinet work on the starboard side provided much needed storage space, but still leaves considerable room for entertaining below. I also find the light considerable better in the 393 due to the skylights (which have not leaked on my boat). Last, the 393 us a much better performing boat than the 411 (IMHO). Guess its all a matter of personal preference, but I have no regrets in getting the 393 over the 411.
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