beneteau 381 short mast

[galynd]

I'm considering the purchase of a 1999 bene oceanis 381. However, I'm concerned about the short mast. I'm told some of these were special ordered with bridge clearances below 50 ft. so it could travel under such bridges. I was told the clearance is 48 - 49 ft.

I'm not sure of the bridge clearance of full size masts of bene 381's. I'd guess it's around 53 feet. How would the shorter mast affect the performance?

 

[tommays]

It will be slower in light air and might even become and advantage if you sail in high wind a lot

 

[Rick I]

Agree with Tommays but am intrigued about the "special order" re short mast. Did not think Beneteau were set up to change mast heights. My experience with them is that they don't change the production line for anything. A shorter mast would entail a lot of changes in rigging and sails. I'd be very interested in the history of this boat.

 

[tommays]

They do a lot of custom stuff for the charter trade so how hard could it be

 

[Rick I]

They do a lot of custom stuff for the charter trade so how hard could it be

The boats built for charter all have the same specs. One big order from Sunsail in most cases. Charter boat owners buy from Sunsail, not Beneteau. The differences from owner ordered boats is that charter boats have more options such as bars to protect hatches and big cockpit tables, and they usually are the "charter" version which has more cabins. But these are Beneteau options available to any prospective buyer.