I will be looking to purchase a 40'+ in the next few years. Been quite interested in the look of a 44.7. It usually comes with a really deep keel. I am looking for some comments about this vessel with regards to performance, cruising and any possible issues that I should be aware of. Thanks Merry Christmas
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44.7 is a "Sweet Boat"!
I saw this boat at the Annapolis boat how a few years back. I thought it was the smartest looking Beneteau in years. My favorite's prior were the 36s7 and the 42s7. The 44.7 has some serious room down below and would be a great boat for longer cruising. The really deep keek will become an issue if you venture to the Carribean. It also may be an issue when you want to sell. Few buyers would go for a keel of that depth and it may be a trick to find someone who would want a boat that goes that deep in the water. Merry Christmas to all....!
I saw this boat at the Annapolis boat how a few years back. I thought it was the smartest looking Beneteau in years. My favorite's prior were the 36s7 and the 42s7. The 44.7 has some serious room down below and would be a great boat for longer cruising. The really deep keek will become an issue if you venture to the Carribean. It also may be an issue when you want to sell. Few buyers would go for a keel of that depth and it may be a trick to find someone who would want a boat that goes that deep in the water. Merry Christmas to all....!
Beneteau's are great for coastal...
cruising, but they're not really blue-water boats. They can do it, they're strong enough, but they weren't designed for it. They're a charter design, meant for the Caribbean where destinations are close together. They don't have the fuel capacity, nor the correct rig/design for truly blue-water cruising.
cruising, but they're not really blue-water boats. They can do it, they're strong enough, but they weren't designed for it. They're a charter design, meant for the Caribbean where destinations are close together. They don't have the fuel capacity, nor the correct rig/design for truly blue-water cruising.
44.7 Structure Issues To Look For
During my boat survey I was instructed where exactly to review the most common complaint in Beneteau manufacturing. "Boat-flex" was the #1 concern. It was suggested I take a close look at the structure and supports. I was warned that Beneteau's sometimes are not well supported in areas that require higher stress loads. Go look below the floorboards and you may notice cracking in their hull liner. If there is cracking there (I have personally seen it) then that means the boat is structurally weak. Next look to the deck for further telltale signs of flex. The deck could also have fine cracking especially near the bow along where it meets the edge to the cabin roof (outside). During my survey I did see this damage. Many racers also crank way too hard on the backstay and over time this can distort the actual shape of the boat hull. In heavy seas the stress of a tight rig and pounding waves will result in side flex (lateral) of the hull. If you can further inspect the connections of the bulkheads there also may be evidence of fine cracks where the distortion had appeared. Don't believe it, an easy way to check it is to tighten the cap shroud on the rigging 3 full turns (both sides) and the bulkhead cracks (already existing) will open up. Most every boat made has these issues and a keen eye is required to inspect.
During my boat survey I was instructed where exactly to review the most common complaint in Beneteau manufacturing. "Boat-flex" was the #1 concern. It was suggested I take a close look at the structure and supports. I was warned that Beneteau's sometimes are not well supported in areas that require higher stress loads. Go look below the floorboards and you may notice cracking in their hull liner. If there is cracking there (I have personally seen it) then that means the boat is structurally weak. Next look to the deck for further telltale signs of flex. The deck could also have fine cracking especially near the bow along where it meets the edge to the cabin roof (outside). During my survey I did see this damage. Many racers also crank way too hard on the backstay and over time this can distort the actual shape of the boat hull. In heavy seas the stress of a tight rig and pounding waves will result in side flex (lateral) of the hull. If you can further inspect the connections of the bulkheads there also may be evidence of fine cracks where the distortion had appeared. Don't believe it, an easy way to check it is to tighten the cap shroud on the rigging 3 full turns (both sides) and the bulkhead cracks (already existing) will open up. Most every boat made has these issues and a keen eye is required to inspect.
44.7 won it's class to Bermuda
the First 44.7 won it's class in the Newport/Bermuda race last year..so as far as "coastal Curiser" it is that and a bit more. the 44.7 IMHO was the BEST boat in the first series (although the 36.7 is sweet and has a nice OD following) The 44.7 has the best sail handling, usable interior ( well the Euro gally is something I don't like too much, but can't have everything) boat in the current first series (36.7,44.7,47.7,10R, First 50)
the First 44.7 won it's class in the Newport/Bermuda race last year..so as far as "coastal Curiser" it is that and a bit more. the 44.7 IMHO was the BEST boat in the first series (although the 36.7 is sweet and has a nice OD following) The 44.7 has the best sail handling, usable interior ( well the Euro gally is something I don't like too much, but can't have everything) boat in the current first series (36.7,44.7,47.7,10R, First 50)
44.7 won it's class to Bermuda
the First 44.7 won it's class in the Newport/Bermuda race last year..so as far as "coastal Curiser" it is that and a bit more. the 44.7 IMHO was the BEST boat in the first series (although the 36.7 is sweet and has a nice OD following) The 44.7 has the best sail handling, usable interior ( well the Euro gally is something I don't like too much, but can't have everything) boat in the current first series (36.7,44.7,47.7,10R, First 50)
the First 44.7 won it's class in the Newport/Bermuda race last year..so as far as "coastal Curiser" it is that and a bit more. the 44.7 IMHO was the BEST boat in the first series (although the 36.7 is sweet and has a nice OD following) The 44.7 has the best sail handling, usable interior ( well the Euro gally is something I don't like too much, but can't have everything) boat in the current first series (36.7,44.7,47.7,10R, First 50)
First place in its class in the Sydney-Hobart Race
Mr Beaks Ribs This Beneteau 44.7 has scored some impressive results recently including a 1st on IRC overall in the Bird Island Race and winning the Gascoigne Cup. Heading into the Cabbage Tree Island Race, the 4th race of the Blue Water Pointscore Series, Mr Beak’s Ribs is second in the pointscore behind Wot Yot. Good results have also been achieved at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and Hamilton Island and Skandia Geelong weeks. I guess not all 44.7's are in the harbor or staying close to shore.
Mr Beaks Ribs This Beneteau 44.7 has scored some impressive results recently including a 1st on IRC overall in the Bird Island Race and winning the Gascoigne Cup. Heading into the Cabbage Tree Island Race, the 4th race of the Blue Water Pointscore Series, Mr Beak’s Ribs is second in the pointscore behind Wot Yot. Good results have also been achieved at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and Hamilton Island and Skandia Geelong weeks. I guess not all 44.7's are in the harbor or staying close to shore.
First place in its class in the Sydney-Hobart Race
Mr Beaks Ribs This Beneteau 44.7 has scored some impressive results recently including a 1st on IRC overall in the Bird Island Race and winning the Gascoigne Cup. Heading into the Cabbage Tree Island Race, the 4th race of the Blue Water Pointscore Series, Mr Beak’s Ribs is second in the pointscore behind Wot Yot. Good results have also been achieved at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and Hamilton Island and Skandia Geelong weeks. I guess not all 44.7's are in the harbor or staying close to shore.
Mr Beaks Ribs This Beneteau 44.7 has scored some impressive results recently including a 1st on IRC overall in the Bird Island Race and winning the Gascoigne Cup. Heading into the Cabbage Tree Island Race, the 4th race of the Blue Water Pointscore Series, Mr Beak’s Ribs is second in the pointscore behind Wot Yot. Good results have also been achieved at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and Hamilton Island and Skandia Geelong weeks. I guess not all 44.7's are in the harbor or staying close to shore.
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