I am considering purchasing a new Beneteau but I have real concerns about Beneteau's penchant for stepping masts on the deck. As an experienced racer I believe that any yacht going offshore should have the mast keel-stepped. Does anyone have any strong opinions either way or past experience with deck-stepped masts and any problems? If you do either post here or email me at jhse27@cvc.net. Thanks, Jess Schefstrom
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Book Reference
Jess - Your concern about deck/keel stepped masts is valid. With a keel stepped mast there is far less chance of a failure, but, deck stepped masts with a properly tuned rig and a well designed hull will suffice in just about any condition you'd ever be cruising in. A boat similar to yours, a Benneteau 40, sailed by a family of five, circumnavigated and have headed out again in the same boat, but this time without their childred which have grown up. The skipper is a former RAF pilot and boat dealer from Vancouver Canada. His wife wrote a detailed book about their choice of boat, outfitting, and circumnavigation that is wonderful reading and would probably alay some of your fears. They did make some changes to make the boat more blue water capable. The name of the book is "Just Cruising" by Liza Copeland, Romany Enterprises, c 1993. I understand she wrote another book, also. With the competition for market share the competition among boat manufacturers is fierce so they're looking for every place to cut costs. Hence, looking at the rig and hull structure is a real smart thing to do. Hope this reference helps.
Jess - Your concern about deck/keel stepped masts is valid. With a keel stepped mast there is far less chance of a failure, but, deck stepped masts with a properly tuned rig and a well designed hull will suffice in just about any condition you'd ever be cruising in. A boat similar to yours, a Benneteau 40, sailed by a family of five, circumnavigated and have headed out again in the same boat, but this time without their childred which have grown up. The skipper is a former RAF pilot and boat dealer from Vancouver Canada. His wife wrote a detailed book about their choice of boat, outfitting, and circumnavigation that is wonderful reading and would probably alay some of your fears. They did make some changes to make the boat more blue water capable. The name of the book is "Just Cruising" by Liza Copeland, Romany Enterprises, c 1993. I understand she wrote another book, also. With the competition for market share the competition among boat manufacturers is fierce so they're looking for every place to cut costs. Hence, looking at the rig and hull structure is a real smart thing to do. Hope this reference helps.
Don't Worry
We have a 99 411 and stepped the mast last October. Given the fit and height of the deck mounted plug (probably has a real name) I am very confident that if the mast is hit hard enough to dislodge, then the mast is not the only thing that will be gone. If you break enough of the standing rigging, I think either type will fail. We think our 411 is great. If you get one there is a 411 owners web site that has 50-60 owners. I think the production run of 411's is currently around hull #170. Good Luck. George Irish Wake
We have a 99 411 and stepped the mast last October. Given the fit and height of the deck mounted plug (probably has a real name) I am very confident that if the mast is hit hard enough to dislodge, then the mast is not the only thing that will be gone. If you break enough of the standing rigging, I think either type will fail. We think our 411 is great. If you get one there is a 411 owners web site that has 50-60 owners. I think the production run of 411's is currently around hull #170. Good Luck. George Irish Wake
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