Beneteau Smile?

[SailKatahdin]

I'm looking to purchase a Beneteau that has recently had some work done to the keel. (Specifically, what work, I'm still trying to ascertain.) It sounds like it had developed a crack at the leading edge of the keel where it meets the hull.

I understand this is a common issue in boats like Catalinas, but I'm curious if it's prevalent in Beneteau's as well. I'm also trying to figure out if this is a serious problem or not, (an indication of hard grounding, serious structural issues) and if simple repairs or even resetting the keel is a viable long-term solution?

I appreciate the input.

 

[DougM]

How much of a “smile” are you seeing?
There is always going to be a bit of a fit issue between the hull and the front end of the keel.
My 323 has about a 3/16 inch gap at the front and it has never been grounded.
More than that, and I would investigate further. Pull up the floorboards and look for stress cracks around the keel bolts, or any evidence of repair. Also look for water intrusion in that area.

 

[jssailem]

@SailKatahdin what your describing would lead me to question the boat hitting something like a grounding. As @DougM suggests a careful inspection of the keel bolts and the bottom around the keel base are warranted.

If this is a new avocation for you (owning your own sail boat) then you need to have the boat surveyed by a marine surveyor you select (not the broker) before you finalize an offer. Ask the surveyor to be sure to inspect the keel and all associated elements as you noticed some work has been done to the keel.

Read the forum information on boat surveys. A survey will be extremely helpful in your quest for the right boat.

Welcome to the best group of boat owners on the planet. Good to have you here.
Be sure to let us know how you make out with your possible new boat. There are a lot of boats out there.

 

[nightowle]

I second what's been said above. Have a really good look under the cabin sole as well as under the galley sink and inside the settee seat compartments (around batteries, etc.) Look for stress cracks and any moisture. If you see cracking you may just want to walk away without spending money on a survey. If it's looking reasonably ok, then you can proceed to an offer and survey if you're still interested. If this is just a simple situation of the keel losing some flexible filler at the exterior joint, then I'd be OK. But, any indication of a hard grounding needs some 'splainin to do.

 

[NYSail]

And as a side note, if you get to the point of a survey find a surveyor who sails...... while a general surveyor typically is fine, I personally
Prefer a sailor looking over my
Potential boat.

Good luck
Greg

 

[jssailem]

A big to what @NYSail recommends. A Surveyor with sailboat knowledge and experience. Ask about how many sail boats the surveyor has worked on in the past year. Past 3 years. What did he/she discover in this process?

 

[Bronte Bill]

I have a 323 2008 from new, and it’s has never been grounded. There is no evidence of a smile, my neighbour has a 323 2007, no smile. If fact there are seven Beneteau's in the club ranging from 28 to 34 none have a smile, although we’re all very happy!