We are considering downsizing (for financial reasons) from a beautiful 2006 Hunter 36 to a smaller Beneteau. Do any Beneteau owners have comments about the 331, or the 323, or even the upcoming 31 that might aid in our decisions. We'd prefer staying in a relatively new boat, 2000- or younger. Anything we need to watch for? Any pros and cons between the 31-33 foot Beneteaus?
Beneteau 331, 323, or the new 31 (2008)
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David
Beneteau 331
The 331 has the interior feel of a much larger boat as well as the great interior Beneteaus are known for. Besides looks the Beneteau rig is easier to tune as it is a standard rig intead of the B&R rig the Hunters utilize. Also the Beneteau 331 is constructed IAW CE standards, apparently the only vessel so certified in the Beneteau line. She sails flat, has good power, and is a comfortable boat under sial and on the hook.
The 331 has the interior feel of a much larger boat as well as the great interior Beneteaus are known for. Besides looks the Beneteau rig is easier to tune as it is a standard rig intead of the B&R rig the Hunters utilize. Also the Beneteau 331 is constructed IAW CE standards, apparently the only vessel so certified in the Beneteau line. She sails flat, has good power, and is a comfortable boat under sial and on the hook.
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Chris
32 is a great size
We have a 2000 MY 321. It is a great size. We have the self furling main which makes it easy to get going and take the sails down. Easy to solo. The draft is 4'3" which is great for our lake... Always think of a 36 or 40, but just hard to give up the versatility of this boat!
We have a 2000 MY 321. It is a great size. We have the self furling main which makes it easy to get going and take the sails down. Easy to solo. The draft is 4'3" which is great for our lake... Always think of a 36 or 40, but just hard to give up the versatility of this boat!
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Doug_Meyer
Beneteau 323
I have had my B323 for 3 seasons, and it is a great boat for our purposes. It,s very easy for two people to handle, and has ample interior room. The cockpit is comfortable for 4 or 5 people on a daysail, and the sail plan works for normal cruising. The only shortcoming for me is the wide stance of the spreaders, and the shrouds led to the toe rail area, which inhibits the use of a larger headsail ( with the exception of a gennaker). The jib tracks would be too short anyway to accomodate a car setting for the bigger sail. The boat is fairly fast, and responsive. This only means that for crew comfort, one might want to reef sooner rather than later, if dropping the traveller doesn't level out the boat enough. The overall quality of the boat is excellent, and we have had no major warranty issues.
I have had my B323 for 3 seasons, and it is a great boat for our purposes. It,s very easy for two people to handle, and has ample interior room. The cockpit is comfortable for 4 or 5 people on a daysail, and the sail plan works for normal cruising. The only shortcoming for me is the wide stance of the spreaders, and the shrouds led to the toe rail area, which inhibits the use of a larger headsail ( with the exception of a gennaker). The jib tracks would be too short anyway to accomodate a car setting for the bigger sail. The boat is fairly fast, and responsive. This only means that for crew comfort, one might want to reef sooner rather than later, if dropping the traveller doesn't level out the boat enough. The overall quality of the boat is excellent, and we have had no major warranty issues.
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Brian B321
Do the math carefully
I realize you were just looking for feedback on the boats themselves - but I'm not convinced "trading down" is going to replenish your bank account - It seems that you might be paying a broker 10,000 - 12,000 in order to put 10,000 - 12,000 in your account - that's pretty expensive financing As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering Trust that you've gone thru the model reviews on this site. Regards Brian
I realize you were just looking for feedback on the boats themselves - but I'm not convinced "trading down" is going to replenish your bank account - It seems that you might be paying a broker 10,000 - 12,000 in order to put 10,000 - 12,000 in your account - that's pretty expensive financing As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering Trust that you've gone thru the model reviews on this site. Regards Brian
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Brian B321
Do the math carefully
I realize you were just looking for feedback on the boats themselves - but I'm not convinced "trading down" is going to replenish your bank account - It seems that you might be paying a broker 10,000 - 12,000 in order to put 10,000 - 12,000 in your account - that's pretty expensive financing As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering Trust that you've gone thru the model reviews on this site. Regards Brian
I realize you were just looking for feedback on the boats themselves - but I'm not convinced "trading down" is going to replenish your bank account - It seems that you might be paying a broker 10,000 - 12,000 in order to put 10,000 - 12,000 in your account - that's pretty expensive financing As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering Trust that you've gone thru the model reviews on this site. Regards Brian
Difficulty of maintenance?
How about ease of maintenance? I've noticed a couple of people with 331's comment that it was difficult to get to the engine impeller. Is that something that has to be done regularly? What about the location of the speed paddly thru-hull? Or the other thru-hulls (water inlet screen, etc.)?
How about ease of maintenance? I've noticed a couple of people with 331's comment that it was difficult to get to the engine impeller. Is that something that has to be done regularly? What about the location of the speed paddly thru-hull? Or the other thru-hulls (water inlet screen, etc.)?
Difficulty of maintenance?
How about ease of maintenance? I've noticed a couple of people with 331's comment that it was difficult to get to the engine impeller. Is that something that has to be done regularly? What about the location of the speed paddly thru-hull? Or the other thru-hulls (water inlet screen, etc.)?
How about ease of maintenance? I've noticed a couple of people with 331's comment that it was difficult to get to the engine impeller. Is that something that has to be done regularly? What about the location of the speed paddly thru-hull? Or the other thru-hulls (water inlet screen, etc.)?
Sail Area to Displacement ratio
Regarding the comment "As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering" ... When I use the data available on BeneteauOwners.net, for SA/D, I get the following .. B331 = 31.53 B321 = 21.11 B323 = 20.5 H326 = 21.08 H36 = 19.95 (our present boat) Doesn't that mean the B331 would be the faster boat in light air compared to any of the others on my list?
Regarding the comment "As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering" ... When I use the data available on BeneteauOwners.net, for SA/D, I get the following .. B331 = 31.53 B321 = 21.11 B323 = 20.5 H326 = 21.08 H36 = 19.95 (our present boat) Doesn't that mean the B331 would be the faster boat in light air compared to any of the others on my list?
Sail Area to Displacement ratio
Regarding the comment "As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering" ... When I use the data available on BeneteauOwners.net, for SA/D, I get the following .. B331 = 31.53 B321 = 21.11 B323 = 20.5 H326 = 21.08 H36 = 19.95 (our present boat) Doesn't that mean the B331 would be the faster boat in light air compared to any of the others on my list?
Regarding the comment "As far as the Beneteau 321 goes (and it wasn't on your list) mine is a 2000 - and I just love it - the aft cabin just might be Beneteau's largest of any boat outside of the centre cockpits - The 321 is definitely a "lighter air " boat than the B331 - You might want to compare sail area /displacement ratios of boats your considering" ... When I use the data available on BeneteauOwners.net, for SA/D, I get the following .. B331 = 31.53 B321 = 21.11 B323 = 20.5 H326 = 21.08 H36 = 19.95 (our present boat) Doesn't that mean the B331 would be the faster boat in light air compared to any of the others on my list?
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Ted Weitz
B323
We recently complete our second season with our 323 and have been very happy with it. It sails well, had a bright and open cabin layout, had good headroom below (I am 6'4", so this is important) and has been essentially trouble free. One thing I really like about the 323 as compared with some of the older designs is that the portlights (practically skylights) on the cabin top make for a very bright cabin. The gigantic head/shower are unusual in a boat of this size. I have found the Yanmar to be very satisfactory and the access to the engine to be excellent. She is quiet under power and accomodates a big crowd for day sails. The berth under the cockpit is ample for myself and the first mate despite my need for legroom, and the three oepning ports give good ventilation. We opted for the lifting keel to give us amazingly shallow draft (2'11") and she still sails very well, although the slow speed behavior under power with the twin rudders does take some getting used to. On the other hand the twin rudders have increased bite when heeling, so I find her to sail well in all conditions we have dealt with so far. We also find that she tracks quite well even with the lifting keel up, and we don't often feel the need to lower the keel to the full 7'. Overall, we give the 323 high marks.
We recently complete our second season with our 323 and have been very happy with it. It sails well, had a bright and open cabin layout, had good headroom below (I am 6'4", so this is important) and has been essentially trouble free. One thing I really like about the 323 as compared with some of the older designs is that the portlights (practically skylights) on the cabin top make for a very bright cabin. The gigantic head/shower are unusual in a boat of this size. I have found the Yanmar to be very satisfactory and the access to the engine to be excellent. She is quiet under power and accomodates a big crowd for day sails. The berth under the cockpit is ample for myself and the first mate despite my need for legroom, and the three oepning ports give good ventilation. We opted for the lifting keel to give us amazingly shallow draft (2'11") and she still sails very well, although the slow speed behavior under power with the twin rudders does take some getting used to. On the other hand the twin rudders have increased bite when heeling, so I find her to sail well in all conditions we have dealt with so far. We also find that she tracks quite well even with the lifting keel up, and we don't often feel the need to lower the keel to the full 7'. Overall, we give the 323 high marks.
T
Ted Weitz
B323
We recently complete our second season with our 323 and have been very happy with it. It sails well, had a bright and open cabin layout, had good headroom below (I am 6'4", so this is important) and has been essentially trouble free. One thing I really like about the 323 as compared with some of the older designs is that the portlights (practically skylights) on the cabin top make for a very bright cabin. The gigantic head/shower are unusual in a boat of this size. I have found the Yanmar to be very satisfactory and the access to the engine to be excellent. She is quiet under power and accomodates a big crowd for day sails. The berth under the cockpit is ample for myself and the first mate despite my need for legroom, and the three oepning ports give good ventilation. We opted for the lifting keel to give us amazingly shallow draft (2'11") and she still sails very well, although the slow speed behavior under power with the twin rudders does take some getting used to. On the other hand the twin rudders have increased bite when heeling, so I find her to sail well in all conditions we have dealt with so far. We also find that she tracks quite well even with the lifting keel up, and we don't often feel the need to lower the keel to the full 7'. Overall, we give the 323 high marks.
We recently complete our second season with our 323 and have been very happy with it. It sails well, had a bright and open cabin layout, had good headroom below (I am 6'4", so this is important) and has been essentially trouble free. One thing I really like about the 323 as compared with some of the older designs is that the portlights (practically skylights) on the cabin top make for a very bright cabin. The gigantic head/shower are unusual in a boat of this size. I have found the Yanmar to be very satisfactory and the access to the engine to be excellent. She is quiet under power and accomodates a big crowd for day sails. The berth under the cockpit is ample for myself and the first mate despite my need for legroom, and the three oepning ports give good ventilation. We opted for the lifting keel to give us amazingly shallow draft (2'11") and she still sails very well, although the slow speed behavior under power with the twin rudders does take some getting used to. On the other hand the twin rudders have increased bite when heeling, so I find her to sail well in all conditions we have dealt with so far. We also find that she tracks quite well even with the lifting keel up, and we don't often feel the need to lower the keel to the full 7'. Overall, we give the 323 high marks.
F
fmcneil
B331
We've had our 2004 331 for two seasons now and its a great family boat that allows us to feel safe in any weather(we've been out in 45kts of wind) and is easily single handed. Its well powered which is very helpful in the high current areas we have. The three blade prop has quite a bit of prop walk but once you get used to it, it's useful in tight dockside maneuvers. I agree on the engine access, the pencil zinc is awkward to access but everything else is easy to access and the depth/speed sensors are easily pulled, cleaned. Love the boat, its my second bene.
We've had our 2004 331 for two seasons now and its a great family boat that allows us to feel safe in any weather(we've been out in 45kts of wind) and is easily single handed. Its well powered which is very helpful in the high current areas we have. The three blade prop has quite a bit of prop walk but once you get used to it, it's useful in tight dockside maneuvers. I agree on the engine access, the pencil zinc is awkward to access but everything else is easy to access and the depth/speed sensors are easily pulled, cleaned. Love the boat, its my second bene.
F
fmcneil
B331
We've had our 2004 331 for two seasons now and its a great family boat that allows us to feel safe in any weather(we've been out in 45kts of wind) and is easily single handed. Its well powered which is very helpful in the high current areas we have. The three blade prop has quite a bit of prop walk but once you get used to it, it's useful in tight dockside maneuvers. I agree on the engine access, the pencil zinc is awkward to access but everything else is easy to access and the depth/speed sensors are easily pulled, cleaned. Love the boat, its my second bene.
We've had our 2004 331 for two seasons now and its a great family boat that allows us to feel safe in any weather(we've been out in 45kts of wind) and is easily single handed. Its well powered which is very helpful in the high current areas we have. The three blade prop has quite a bit of prop walk but once you get used to it, it's useful in tight dockside maneuvers. I agree on the engine access, the pencil zinc is awkward to access but everything else is easy to access and the depth/speed sensors are easily pulled, cleaned. Love the boat, its my second bene.
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