Was not too impressed with the quality/workmanship of these new production boats. Was at a boat show and noticed the deck of brand new 36.7 was real thin. Don't beleive me?...just rap your knuckles on them. There was no core. It was just a 1/2" of glass topped with gelcoat. I think that 5 years from now, owners will be lined up to complain about the workmanship. Would like to hear from Beneteau owners with their comments about the quality. I really like the look of their boats but am quite concearned with the longevitity and future value of investing in a Beneteau. I want to hear from Beneteau owners about their quality issues....
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Love my
10 year old 281. Haven't had any real problems anywhere. Walk all over the deck and it's very solid. I only weigh about 190# so if you're big, maybe you'll feel some give.
10 year old 281. Haven't had any real problems anywhere. Walk all over the deck and it's very solid. I only weigh about 190# so if you're big, maybe you'll feel some give.
Short rant
I sure get sick of all this talk about "thin fiberglass." Do you think these BOC or Volvo race boats are layed up like a Westsail?? Go check out a J Boat. Modern glass techniques means the hull and deck don't have to be 2" thick anymore -- and weigh 20 tons.
I sure get sick of all this talk about "thin fiberglass." Do you think these BOC or Volvo race boats are layed up like a Westsail?? Go check out a J Boat. Modern glass techniques means the hull and deck don't have to be 2" thick anymore -- and weigh 20 tons.
Deck thickness
Rarely have I ever heard of "thin decks" being a quality issue. They are designed for the purpose of the boat. Perhaps the boat in question is a but light for your expectations but under extended stress the more likely scenario would be moving bulkheads, chain plate leaking, etc - not decks that will crack. Other potential issues are deck voids where air is trapped between layers which would need to be injected with epoxy for a proper fix. I used to work in warranty for a Beneteau dealer, so am familiar with their newer boats. That being said, I have never owned a Beneteau, so I am speaking in broad terms only. Best, Trevor
Rarely have I ever heard of "thin decks" being a quality issue. They are designed for the purpose of the boat. Perhaps the boat in question is a but light for your expectations but under extended stress the more likely scenario would be moving bulkheads, chain plate leaking, etc - not decks that will crack. Other potential issues are deck voids where air is trapped between layers which would need to be injected with epoxy for a proper fix. I used to work in warranty for a Beneteau dealer, so am familiar with their newer boats. That being said, I have never owned a Beneteau, so I am speaking in broad terms only. Best, Trevor
Cored Deck
I just cut a 3" hole trough the cabin house deck of my Beneteau 331 Oceanis to install a cabin heater vent. The deck is very well constructed. About 1/2 fiberglass laminant outside with a 3/4 inch wood core and then 1/4 inch of glass laminant inside and then the overhead liner. I am quite sure that it will out last me (I am 54 years old).
I just cut a 3" hole trough the cabin house deck of my Beneteau 331 Oceanis to install a cabin heater vent. The deck is very well constructed. About 1/2 fiberglass laminant outside with a 3/4 inch wood core and then 1/4 inch of glass laminant inside and then the overhead liner. I am quite sure that it will out last me (I am 54 years old).
Are you out of your mind?
It is apparent that you have an axe to grind. Anyone who has been aboard a Beneteau would know that the decks are sound, the finish and fit is in accordance with, or superior to, industry standards. Opening any hatch and reaching in with a thumb and forefinger would measure the thickness of the deck. It is evident that Robert never bothered to do this. It is evident that he never walked on the deck. If he had done either, he would know that the deck thickness far exceeds his estimation. A 1/2" deck would deflect under the weight of a fairly small individual. An uncored deck of the indicated thickness would manifest itself throughout the vessel in a very negative way. The winches and other deck hardware would not last long without a core to spread the load. Your previous querries have generated no negative quality problems with Beneteaus so..........the question I ask you is: "Why do you persist in you defamation of a fine boat?"
It is apparent that you have an axe to grind. Anyone who has been aboard a Beneteau would know that the decks are sound, the finish and fit is in accordance with, or superior to, industry standards. Opening any hatch and reaching in with a thumb and forefinger would measure the thickness of the deck. It is evident that Robert never bothered to do this. It is evident that he never walked on the deck. If he had done either, he would know that the deck thickness far exceeds his estimation. A 1/2" deck would deflect under the weight of a fairly small individual. An uncored deck of the indicated thickness would manifest itself throughout the vessel in a very negative way. The winches and other deck hardware would not last long without a core to spread the load. Your previous querries have generated no negative quality problems with Beneteaus so..........the question I ask you is: "Why do you persist in you defamation of a fine boat?"
Good Quality - Not Great...Just Good
Beneteau make good boats. Their quality is not superb but they make good boats that average folks can afford. Their standards are high and for the money they are just fine. If you want to buy a better vessel then you can pay alot more for it and be satified that you might have something that is better...but not much.
Beneteau make good boats. Their quality is not superb but they make good boats that average folks can afford. Their standards are high and for the money they are just fine. If you want to buy a better vessel then you can pay alot more for it and be satified that you might have something that is better...but not much.
Quality
I'm in the process of commissioning my 1986 First 305 which is 20 years old this month. The topesides, deck and interior look as good as the day I bought her. This is after many cruises and hard racing.
I'm in the process of commissioning my 1986 First 305 which is 20 years old this month. The topesides, deck and interior look as good as the day I bought her. This is after many cruises and hard racing.
quality of beneteaus
Like you, I have not been impressed with the quality of construction on recent model Beneteaus. My first clue was walking on the cabin sole of virtually all B's at a recent boat show - the soles all felt like we were walking on a trampoline. Some of the other concerns I noticed were - raw fiberglass inside and behind lockers - could easily have been finished properly; chopped strand mat pattern (i.e, random pattern) showing through the gell; plastic (marlon?) thru hulls rather than bronze; most boithersome were some of the basic construction faults apparent around the hull, not the least of which were deck joint voids and lack of uniform tabbing of bulkheads. I have beena loyal B owner for 20 years, raced on some and did the Newport/Bermuda last year on a 40.7 my son ownes but I'd never buy a new one. Please no retaliatory personal attacks - they are childish.
Like you, I have not been impressed with the quality of construction on recent model Beneteaus. My first clue was walking on the cabin sole of virtually all B's at a recent boat show - the soles all felt like we were walking on a trampoline. Some of the other concerns I noticed were - raw fiberglass inside and behind lockers - could easily have been finished properly; chopped strand mat pattern (i.e, random pattern) showing through the gell; plastic (marlon?) thru hulls rather than bronze; most boithersome were some of the basic construction faults apparent around the hull, not the least of which were deck joint voids and lack of uniform tabbing of bulkheads. I have beena loyal B owner for 20 years, raced on some and did the Newport/Bermuda last year on a 40.7 my son ownes but I'd never buy a new one. Please no retaliatory personal attacks - they are childish.
Sailed to Bermuda in a boat you think is cheap?
You sailed a 600 mile race offshore in a boat you wouldn't buy yourself? DOESN'T THAT SEEM FOOLHARDY? I disagree on all counts. I have pacific offshore experience and have prepared my 361 for same. I have spent much time looking into these matters. Structural grids, quality hardware etc. The quality IS there. It's not indestructible and nor perfect. Yes there are some flaws here or there, but those same flaws exist in most boats. If they don't my bet is it cost twice as much or more as the Beneteau. The resolution of this matter is that there are different boats for different folks. If you want to put all your money into a perfect boat, you won't be able to enjoy it. Get the best boat for the money that is safe, seaworthy, fast, comfortable, satisfying etc. Beneteau has likely learned something since you first bought one 20 years back, don't you think? The public at large seems to think they are doing a pretty good job as they are selling their boats pretty successfully. People are also racing them to places like, oh,....................................................Bermuda! Another won its division in Transpac. A B44.7 won in Sydny Hobart. Come on, give us a break. If the rigors of racing don't testify to the quality, I don't know what does.
You sailed a 600 mile race offshore in a boat you wouldn't buy yourself? DOESN'T THAT SEEM FOOLHARDY? I disagree on all counts. I have pacific offshore experience and have prepared my 361 for same. I have spent much time looking into these matters. Structural grids, quality hardware etc. The quality IS there. It's not indestructible and nor perfect. Yes there are some flaws here or there, but those same flaws exist in most boats. If they don't my bet is it cost twice as much or more as the Beneteau. The resolution of this matter is that there are different boats for different folks. If you want to put all your money into a perfect boat, you won't be able to enjoy it. Get the best boat for the money that is safe, seaworthy, fast, comfortable, satisfying etc. Beneteau has likely learned something since you first bought one 20 years back, don't you think? The public at large seems to think they are doing a pretty good job as they are selling their boats pretty successfully. People are also racing them to places like, oh,....................................................Bermuda! Another won its division in Transpac. A B44.7 won in Sydny Hobart. Come on, give us a break. If the rigors of racing don't testify to the quality, I don't know what does.
Don't be Childish
Paul, Stop being childish and messing with Donald. He is obviously an expert and should be given your respect. He is smarter than you and simply won't be suckered into buying a crappy boat.
Paul, Stop being childish and messing with Donald. He is obviously an expert and should be given your respect. He is smarter than you and simply won't be suckered into buying a crappy boat.
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