Beneteau 400 2 Versus 3 Cabin

[taylort100]

Well, we still haven't found a 2 cabin 400 in our price range. However, we have now seen two 3 cabin versions on line that we could go for. We will be seeing one of them soon. Any comments on the 2 versus 3 cabin pros and cons would be appreciated.
Normally, the linear galley on a 3 cabin is larger, but in the acse of the 400, that 2 cabin version galley is great. Also, what about the trade-off between an extra rear cabin and the large lazarrette?

 

[taylort100]

So, now we've looked at the 400 3 cabin (actually turned out to be a Mooring 405, talk about misrepresentation!) - the linear galley actually has less space than the 2 cabin version. Also, it turns the main salon into something of a corridor. So, we looked at a 2 cabin 400 in the same area - that confirmed it, its the boat for us. We just have to convince the seller that his price is way too high.
Its sort of a strange market - we know of 3 very clean and equiped 400s that have sold recently, 2 in the mid 80s and 1 at 94K. So, an asking price for an earlier 400 should not be much above 100K. But sellers don't seem to get that.

 

[Gunni]

I'm guessing I'm not the only person who has been on both sides of this and are smiling. Feel free to value this comment at what you paid for it...

Yes, there is a "market", but you're not buying pork bellies. You are shopping for a fully found, limited production transoceanic yacht. And unless you are dealing with a distressed owner, he or she "gets" that sailing season is upon us and sailing is better than selling. And if this is a distressed sale, you are looking at a neglected maintenance situation. A well kept, well maintained 400 is worth $100k. If I owned it, it might cost you $120k, but you would still get your money's worth. Rather than scold owners about the market you might consider asking them why she's priced the way she is. Or...shop in a size range where the market is a given and you're buying at the top end based on quality, not price.