Beneteau 36 cc

[tomfoolery]

We are looking for our fifth sailboat, our previous four were Catalinas however we are looking at a 36 bene centre cockpit. I have learned a lot about pre offer inspections of Catalina's over the past 30 years but I would be interested in hearing from some beneteau owners about brand specific things I might want to check out when we look at Beneteaus. Tom

 

[braddexter]

Hi
My last boat was a 36cc (now got an Oceanis 41).
Biggest issue was small cockpit size (but only in port). Now I'm in South of France (it used to be used as a real sailing boat, now it's an apartment on the sea which we take out sailing occasionally). Only issues were small cracks on inside of the hull above the keel caused by lack of support when it was being moved to France on the back of a lorry and the oil reservoir for the autopilot leaked. Other than that it was a great boat! Good luck

 

[Bob846]

Former 36CC Owner

Tom,
I ordered a 1999 36CC and kept it until 2007 when I traded up to a 423.

Strengths:
- Beautifully finished (both cabin, bilges, etc.)
- Great layout for privacy (aft vs. forward cabin)
- Lots of storage and hanging lockers
- Great galley
- A unique boat...got lots of comments at moorings, anchorages, etc.
- Amazing engine room...Excellent access to engine. Since these Yanmars were originally sold in Europe, make sure you specify EU parts. For example, the water pumps for engines destined for United States/Canada different from Europe.

Weaknesses:
- Vberth very cramped for 2 people - you will play footsie.
- Aft berth pretty short - very short if 6' or over. Several re-oriented the back bunk into a pullman.
- Better get a dodger...Being up and closer to bow makes this a wetter boat.
- Visability with big genny a problem. Get the jib cut higher (like a yankee).
- Jib tracks on the toerail mean sheeting angles pretty shallow...may not be able to point as well.
- Originally wired for 220v shorepower. Wires are thinner thus able carry less loads without significant voltage drop.
- Cramped cockpit - not able stretch out on seats.

Hope this helps with your decision making process.

Bob E.

 

[dtalent]

We own a 2000 36CC, our 2nd year with her, our first sailboat. We did a time share Jenneau prior to owning a boat. The small cockpit presents some challenges but nothing you cant get used to, as Braddexter said, only in port. Biggest drawback is the lack of a cockpit table. We are making one ourselves to fit the smaller dimension between the pulpit and the companionway. We added a couple of perch seats at the rear rail for added seating.

Bob846 is right on the money with his comments. I'm 6'1 and the aft berth isnt long enough unless you lay diagonally. So far though, my wife and i manage, makes things cozy! Galley is what sold the boat to my wife. The saloon is confortable and there is room to sleep six.

My boat is exceptionally dry. Living in Chicago, especially these last few weeks, we've been deluged with rain. Nothing in the bilge! I do notice a lot of spider cracks on the deck this year, maybe from last winter's extreme cold or maybe they were always there and didnt notice before.

My biggest issue is docking. You are further away, like a step up to get over the coaming and then two steps down to get to your lines. An aft cabin gets you closer to the dock lines. Again, getting used to it and getting a procedure in place helps.

I havent experienced the "wetter" comment yet. We have taken a few waves over the bow but other than some spray, nothing awful. I would like to add a bimini but if you look at your layout, that is a challenge too. When boarding, you have to step up over the coaming and if you have a bimini, you will need to duck under it to get into the cockpit. Still trying to work that out.

Mine was built in France. i havent had the experience yet about finding EU parts as i havent needed any other than maintenance items, fuel and oil filters and impeller.

If i was to buy it again, would I? the answer is yes.

Dennis

 

[galynd]

B 36 cc owner (2000) and no regrets. Very dry as dtalent mentioned. Bilge pump has never come on since I've owned the boat (2 yrs.) except when I check it. Great aft cabin giving much privacy. Galley is exceptional. Head is very nice except shower is not a separate area; thus, all of head gets wet when you shower. Because of large aft cabin you have a smaller saloon. Cockpit is somewhat small but you have a large aft deck, which we call the back porch. Yanmar 3gm 30f pushes the boat to 7 knots at 3000 rpm. I too have some spider cracks on deck. dtalent... would love to see pic of cockpit table. would definitely buy the boat again.
Greg.

 

[donvanv]

I'm reading "small cockpit", "small salon"... I guess it is all relative. We just purchased a B 36cc and it all seems so spacious, as we are coming from a smaller boat, a Baba 30 which is a double ender. Talk about small cockpit and how about no aft-berth. Those canoe sterns severely limit the interior space. While that hull design with full keel were, and perhaps still are, considered a desirable design for blue water cruising by some, I have heard some questioning the wisdom of those arguments. One positive about a full keel - it isn't dependent on bolts to hold it on. I read with much angst about the Cheeki Rafiki tragedy shortly after making the switch from full keel, double ender to the B36cc.. But bottom line; I love the Beneteau . It is offering many comforts and conveniences we did not have with the Baba. And, it is more suited to our cruising destinations in the NW. As to the question about pre-inspections; check the bolts that hold the keel on.

 

[Kevin13745]

We purchased our 2001 Beneteau 36 CC (hull # 342) new in 2001 and have been sailing locally since then on the Chesapeake. All the previous comments made concerning this model are validated, in my opinion. She sails better than expected, interior is well designed, fit and finish are better than expected on a production boat although I feel that the stowage space is a tad limited. Another drawback is the limited stowage on deck, one cockpit locker and two aft lockers located in the stern on either side of the deck. Only other "problem" is the engine, the 27 hp Yanmar runs like a champ but, to me, seems to be a tad underpowered, especially in any head seas/wind, often cruising speed will fall from about 6 kts (at 2750 rpm) to five or less, depending upon the sea state. She handles waves quite well, we've been out in seas of five to six feet, gusts of 45 mph, taking green water (well, in the Chesapeake it's more brown than green) onto the coachroof. I did have the hard dodger installed as an option and the cockpit remains dry as does the bilge, although it can get quite warm behind the windshield at times. Anchor locker is spacious, carries plenty of fuel and water, holding tank may be a bit small but not tiny. Also added Kato davits for the RIB, little to no effect on the for and after trim with the RIB hoisted. After thirteen years we too have some spider cracks on deck, purely cosmetic. I couldn't be more satisfied with a boat and would certainly purchase a new one if they were still in production.

Kevin
Esprit Irlandais

 

[tomfoolery]

We just took possession of a 98 Beneteau 36 CC. Thanks all for your comments and encouragement.

 

[Picflight]

Congratulations!


Post pictures.

 

[Captn TJ]

Congrats. Any improvements planned?

 

[tomfoolery]

Needs new dodger windows and waste hoses replaced , but this 16 year old boat looks like it was rarely used so my list is only 20 or 30 items . Beautiful ocean marine davits carry our 10ft aquapro and 15 hp ob with ease I am really loving the centre cockpit , you can actually sit behind the wheel and steer/ sail this boat. I am thinking I can, Lord willing, grow old on this boat

 

[Picflight]

Very nice looking boat.

I am guessing you back into the slip and board via the transom. How easy is it to get to the cockpit from the transom opening?

 

[Archangel36cc]

We purchased our 2001 Beneteau 36 CC (hull # 342) new in 2001 and have been sailing locally since then on the Chesapeake. All the previous comments made concerning this model are validated, in my opinion. She sails better than expected, interior is well designed, fit and finish are better than expected on a production boat although I feel that the stowage space is a tad limited. Another drawback is the limited stowage on deck, one cockpit locker and two aft lockers located in the stern on either side of the deck. Only other "problem" is the engine, the 27 hp Yanmar runs like a champ but, to me, seems to be a tad underpowered, especially in any head seas/wind, often cruising speed will fall from about 6 kts (at 2750 rpm) to five or less, depending upon the sea state. She handles waves quite well, we've been out in seas of five to six feet, gusts of 45 mph, taking green water (well, in the Chesapeake it's more brown than green) onto the coachroof. I did have the hard dodger installed as an option and the cockpit remains dry as does the bilge, although it can get quite warm behind the windshield at times. Anchor locker is spacious, carries plenty of fuel and water, holding tank may be a bit small but not tiny. Also added Kato davits for the RIB, little to no effect on the for and after trim with the RIB hoisted. After thirteen years we too have some spider cracks on deck, purely cosmetic. I couldn't be more satisfied with a boat and would certainly purchase a new one if they were still in production.

Kevin
Esprit Irlandais

Kevin,

If you can give me a call regarding your 36cc....I have one and have quick question regarding the kato davits...thanks..mike at silversurfer550@gmail.com