Any problems finding parts?

Tejas · Apr 23, 2013

Perhaps not too useful unless you're buying used from a Beneteau dealer, but our experience through our dealer from whom we bought new has been excellent.

Stu Jackson · Apr 23, 2013

I'm not a B owner, but you might want to begin to consider just what "parts" you actually may need that would be B specific. In reality, boat builders are "assemblers" - they put together the hull and deck and "slap" a lotta parts from other manufacturers on. Like blocks, travelers, engines, light fixtures, water pumps, heads, cabinetry, etc. While there might be some B specific material, it would most likely be for your particular boat, such as the exhaust riser from the engine to the muffler which is pretty unique for each different boat from whatever builder. There are sources out there for almost everything, and most of us have found that buying from a dealer for parts is the most expensive way to go, and that there are many less expensive and in some cases better vendors out there for any and all replacement parts. Good luck, nice boat.

Jim21895 · Apr 23, 2013

Parts availability

No problem getting parts since Beneteau doesn't make much other than the hull, keel and rudder. Virtually everything else is made by a component manufacturer. Other than the fact that some fasteners are metric (but can be changed to Imperial), there is nothing particularly "French" about any of the components.

I have found Beneteau to be very helpful in shipping things needed from time to time if I didn't want to search outside sources. I forget his name, but the parts guy at their Carolina facility is very helpful.

Captn TJ · Apr 23, 2013

Beneteau has a very responsive customer service team. Ward Richardson can get most parts that are sold here or from a European supplier.

Beneteau also has a parts site (requires preregistration) that shows all of the parts for current and previous models.

reworb · Apr 24, 2013

Here's the Beneteau parts website. If I were you you I would register for the site and then browse though it to check out the parts availability and pricing.

http://spareparts.beneteauusa.com/controleur.php?action=accueil

I put your model in and there seems to be a lot of the model specific parts available. I have a Beneteau now and in the past had a Catalina nothing bad to say about either maker and would buy both again, however it is much easier to order parts from Beneteau than Catalina.

Gunni · Apr 24, 2013

ChessieSailor55 said:
Thanks! All good info. See you own a Catalina 34... a very nice boat as well! We're also looking at a Catalina... the decision seems to be getting tougher instead of easier.

Annapolis Yacht Sales over in Annapolis has a very well stocked Beneteau parts department. However, as Stu notes, much of a yacht is assembled parts most of which are interchangable, or built by independent manufacturers. Rigging for example, a common replacement item. You could have most any boat completely re-built by a host of highly-skilled tradesmen within a 25 mile radius of Rock Hall.

I've sailed a ton of boats, and when I went looking for one to call my own, the Catalina 42, MkII was high on my short list. It is a fine, well-built, great sailing boat. My decision to go with a B was almost exclusively based on the Catalina wing-keel. As they say in the Ches, "there are two kind of sailors, them that's been aground, and them that's going aground". Having wedged a Catalina wing keel into the sticky mud of the Chesapeake Bay (think farmers plow) and struggled to free myself I decided that the B bulb-keel was the way to go. I gave up some head-room, and that fantastic Catalina galley w/pantry, but I don't regret my choice. Enjoy the adventure!

MSN-Travelers · Apr 24, 2013

ChessieSailor55 said:
We are looking at a very pretty (I think! Hubby's not too excited about the hull shape, but interior is beautiful!) 1993 Beneteau Oceanis 400. We have heard a few 'nightmare' stories about trying to get parts for Beneteaus since they are French. That's making him even more inclined to shy away...

Can anyone offer their experience(s) as to how difficult/easy it is to contact Beneteau when needed? And, parts replacement/acquisition... any issues??

Thanks so much!
April

Hi April,

Just curious . . . why do you believe Beneteau's are French built? There is a large production facility in Marion, SC.

The "parts guy" at the Marion plant is Ward Richardson, (843) 629-5300, war.richardson@beneteauusa.com Great guy and a wealth of information. Give him the VIN for the boat and he will tell you when and where it was manufactured.