Would like some feedback regarding a couple of boats. I am looking to purchase a 5-10 year old Beneteau and have found two. 1997 36s7 and a 1991 390. would like some information about the performance and any problems associated. Regards Future Beneteau Owner
- Status
I'd do the 390
Hi Paul. We bought an Oceanis 390 (1989) a little over a year ago and I absolutely couldn't have asked for a better boat. With a moderate sail plan and large rudder the boat is very well balanced with any sail configuration. The sail plan is a little less than that of comparable sized boats (especially Hunters) but I've found that this just means I don't have to reef as often. Typical spring days on the Galveston Bay will bring >15 knts which is perfect for the 390 sail plan. As far as performance, the boat sails at 6 - 7 kts close hauled with 10 - 15 kts of wind. Under power, with the Volvo 2003T turbo 43 hp engine, the cruising speed in ~ 6kts at 2200 RPM. Problems: Only minor things.... 1) The DC control panel - from the factory mine came with wire coil magnetic breakers which will not come back on if the power is lost to the panel and I would find that the entire panel would shut down occasionally (why I have no idea). Also, the "breakers" were integrated into the circuit board so they couldn't be configured as electrical needs changed. I replace the panel with one from BEP Marine with standard breakers. 2) In very heavy rains, one of the sweeping Lexan ports leaked... but a $3 tube of silicone fixed that problem. If I had to do over I would definitely buy this boat again.... and may get the chance to later as we are expecting our first child and may need to sell the boat help the budget for a while.
Good luck and enjoy the boat if you get it. I'm sure that either Beneteau will be a great boat. Troy
Hi Paul. We bought an Oceanis 390 (1989) a little over a year ago and I absolutely couldn't have asked for a better boat. With a moderate sail plan and large rudder the boat is very well balanced with any sail configuration. The sail plan is a little less than that of comparable sized boats (especially Hunters) but I've found that this just means I don't have to reef as often. Typical spring days on the Galveston Bay will bring >15 knts which is perfect for the 390 sail plan. As far as performance, the boat sails at 6 - 7 kts close hauled with 10 - 15 kts of wind. Under power, with the Volvo 2003T turbo 43 hp engine, the cruising speed in ~ 6kts at 2200 RPM. Problems: Only minor things.... 1) The DC control panel - from the factory mine came with wire coil magnetic breakers which will not come back on if the power is lost to the panel and I would find that the entire panel would shut down occasionally (why I have no idea). Also, the "breakers" were integrated into the circuit board so they couldn't be configured as electrical needs changed. I replace the panel with one from BEP Marine with standard breakers. 2) In very heavy rains, one of the sweeping Lexan ports leaked... but a $3 tube of silicone fixed that problem. If I had to do over I would definitely buy this boat again.... and may get the chance to later as we are expecting our first child and may need to sell the boat help the budget for a while.
Good luck and enjoy the boat if you get it. I'm sure that either Beneteau will be a great boat. Troy390
We also have a '91 390 and enjoy it very much. It is the 2 cabin version with a shower. It has lots of room and sails very well. I haven't had any problems with the electrical panel or any of the other systems, as the boat was in pretty good shape when we bought it. I have upgraded/ replaced several things (water and waste lines, engine cooling hoses, electronics, sheets, blocks) but nothing has been too incredibly tough. Everything is fairly accessible. The Goiot furler is probably the only thing that currently gives me fits. It works well when I take extra care in how the furling line winds up, but can get hung up easily. I'm going to try to modify the routing of the line to the cockpit to remedy this. Overall, it's been a great boat.
We also have a '91 390 and enjoy it very much. It is the 2 cabin version with a shower. It has lots of room and sails very well. I haven't had any problems with the electrical panel or any of the other systems, as the boat was in pretty good shape when we bought it. I have upgraded/ replaced several things (water and waste lines, engine cooling hoses, electronics, sheets, blocks) but nothing has been too incredibly tough. Everything is fairly accessible. The Goiot furler is probably the only thing that currently gives me fits. It works well when I take extra care in how the furling line winds up, but can get hung up easily. I'm going to try to modify the routing of the line to the cockpit to remedy this. Overall, it's been a great boat.
- Status