Beneteau 34 or 37

[hearthstone1]

I have, what I believe to be, an opportunity to buy a new 2008 B37. I feel I can sail a B34 by myself, but am having doubts about a B37. Any input, including your thoughts about my sailing a B34 by myself will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again to all who responded to my first question.

Hearthstone1

 

[hfxns]

B34 or B37

I have been on a B37, and I have a B323, which is similar to the B34 although smaller. The only thing I would worry about between going with the B34 and the B37 is docking. I find the extra water line and extra inertia of a bigger boat, make it harder to dock solo. I found this moving from our Catalina 30 to our B323. The B37 has a ton of freeboard, so hoping on and off when docking in one motion is not as straight forward, especially if you are 60+.

The pluses with the B37 is that the v-berth is a really health size, and the boat is a perfect size for two couple cruising. Also, you get a forward facing nav station which is nice. I have always found that somewhere between 32-38 feet is a great size range for coastal cruising, making both of these boats enticing.

I don't know much about performance aspects, but I know that the old 373 wasn't as sprightly as some of the other Beneteau 3 line. I know specifically that a review said that the B323 had no problem keeping up with the 373, which is odd given the 4 feet difference in waterline. From what I can tell, the performance numbers look good for all the 30 somethings in the Beneteau lineup these days.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[mac1840]

I have a 331, the predacessor to the 34, which I single hand without any issue. A RF main and autopilot make life pretty simple on the water. The biggest challenge is always getting the boat into the slip, especially when its still new to you, regardless whether its a 34 or 37. I went from a 285 to the 331 and learning the slower response, higher mass and stronger prop walk took time and practice. Just have friends with you until you feel comfortable with it I don't know what your moving up from but both are great boats.

Mac.

 

[sailndive345]

I have, what I believe to be, an opportunity to buy a new 2008 B37. I feel I can sail a B34 by myself, but am having doubts about a B37.

Sounds like a great opportunity - Why the doubts about 37? Not that different from a 34, is it?

Hopefully, you'll get the 37 and, in a few months, you won't even remember such concerns

Fair winds!

Sailndive345

 

[hearthstone1]

Re: B34 or B37

thanks for the input. I didn't know I gave my age

 

[hearthstone1]

I have been on a B37, and I have a B323, which is similar to the B34 although smaller. The only thing I would worry about between going with the B34 and the B37 is docking. I find the extra water line and extra inertia of a bigger boat, make it harder to dock solo. I found this moving from our Catalina 30 to our B323. The B37 has a ton of freeboard, so hoping on and off when docking in one motion is not as straight forward, especially if you are 60+.

The pluses with the B37 is that the v-berth is a really health size, and the boat is a perfect size for two couple cruising. Also, you get a forward facing nav station which is nice. I have always found that somewhere between 32-38 feet is a great size range for coastal cruising, making both of these boats enticing.

I don't know much about performance aspects, but I know that the old 373 wasn't as sprightly as some of the other Beneteau 3 line. I know specifically that a review said that the B323 had no problem keeping up with the 373, which is odd given the 4 feet difference in waterline. From what I can tell, the performance numbers look good for all the 30 somethings in the Beneteau lineup these days.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Dan

Thanks for your input. I didn't realize my age showed. The B373 is what I'm really interested in. Now I just have to find the time.

 

[hearthstone1]

I have a 331, the predacessor to the 34, which I single hand without any issue. A RF main and autopilot make life pretty simple on the water. The biggest challenge is always getting the boat into the slip, especially when its still new to you, regardless whether its a 34 or 37. I went from a 285 to the 331 and learning the slower response, higher mass and stronger prop walk took time and practice. Just have friends with you until you feel comfortable with it I don't know what your moving up from but both are great boats.

Mac.

thanks. I'm not moving up from anything. I just started sailing, tooka 2 1/2 hr. lesson in Boston Harbor on a Colgate 26, thoroughly enjoyed it. Went to St. Pete Boat Show in Dec and went back to St. Pete last month for 3 days of lessons on a B323. Going back for more. Hoping to buy right once.

 

[hearthstone1]

Sounds like a great opportunity - Why the doubts about 37? Not that different from a 34, is it?

Hopefully, you'll get the 37 and, in a few months, you won't even remember such concerns

Fair winds!

Sailndive345

Thanks, that's my hope too