Beneteau 411 vs 423

[Hanrahan]

I have been looking at purchasing a boat for mostly Caribbean sailing but some ocean sailing as well. While it would be nice to include some of the tried and true ocean sailors, they are not in my practical price range.

In the Beneteau line I have considered the 411 and 423. I would like to hear from anyone in the forum regarding points they consider significant in a choice between the two.

Aside from the fact that the 423 is larger in displacement and newer in design does anyone have a comment about the build, systems and sailing characteristics. I suspect there are very few who have personal experience with both boats, if there is that would be terrific, but even a comment about each one independently would be much appreciated.

many thanks for your time,

John

 

[Gunni]

Hi John, I shopped them both before deciding on the 411. I chartered the 423 in the Carib... similarly equipped they would sail and motor the same. The difference for me was the interior layout and the use of the deadlights in the 423. I don't like cabin-top deadlights, especially where I will be standing/working the sail, boom and mast. They leak, and don't make for good traction. Also put too much solar heat into the boat.

The 423 has a forward facing nav station while the 411 has an aft facing nav station. The result is you lose a workable full length berth on the 423. I'm a big fan of the forepeak head and only the 411 comes with one. Beneteau tried to shoehorn a third cabin in both boats and it didn't work for me either way. So in the end, it depends on your preferences, and budget.

 

[Mike B]

I have a friend with a 423 and he loves it. It's a fast comfortable boat and like the 411 has a great reputation and strong following. There's a 423 owners group on Yahoo that might prove to be helpful. Good luck you can't lose with either boat.