I am planning to purchas a used Beneteau within the next six months. I will be sailing in the upper to mid Chesapeake. I have basic sailboat experience, intend to take more lessons, but would be considered by all of you as a novice. My question is this. I have read quite a bit about the pros and cons of sailing single handed, but the reality is that I will do a lot of solo sailing - likely 1-3 days, but not week long. I, however, will also be sailing with a spouse and two teenagers a few times a month . As a master's level athlete (triathlons, adventure racing) I know that when out on the water regularly I will want to 'compete' - go as fast as my equipment and conditions allow. It's in my blood. I do not mind going slow, but I do not like to be passed too many times, and I love to chase people down when cycling, running, etc. Bearing that in mind I have started to narrow my search to used Beneteaus in the 30-34' range, and from what I have read, I should avoid the Oceanis line (a 'clysdale'). The First series looks like what I should be aiming at. I would like to stay under 70K. Am I on the right track, or are there other Beneteaus I should be looking at. Or, could I even sail a larger boat (34-38)? Sorry, I am not interested in anything less than 28' and I am 'yuppie' enough to desire size and luxery. Please note, I have read everything there is to read re: single-handed and I realize that, among other things, the first thing I will need to do is get extensive private instruction relatinng to exiting and entering the dock. Also bear in mind that though I am 52, I am fairly athletic, so that I think I can deal with the sails, etc. Also bear in mind that I am a loner and view sailing as a solitary activity. I would not sail if it meant constantly interacting with new people. Sorry, but this is me. Thanks (my first post). Brian
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Dan Knox
Check out the 36.7
If you really think you might want to get into racing I would check out the 36.7. This boat has its own one design class and I promise it is not likely to be bring up the rear in any beer-can races. You may have to expand your budget just a bit but there are a used 36.7 avaiable and ready to go. It also will work fine as a cruser for your family. The one downside however is that this is a petty big boat and might be a handfull for some singlehanders . . . but then again if Ellen MacAurthur and sail around the the world in single handed in 71 days I am sure you can learn to feel confortable with this 36 footer if that's your goal. (Go Ellen!) And I think the First 36.7 a very petty boat to boot! Good Luck. --Dan
If you really think you might want to get into racing I would check out the 36.7. This boat has its own one design class and I promise it is not likely to be bring up the rear in any beer-can races. You may have to expand your budget just a bit but there are a used 36.7 avaiable and ready to go. It also will work fine as a cruser for your family. The one downside however is that this is a petty big boat and might be a handfull for some singlehanders . . . but then again if Ellen MacAurthur and sail around the the world in single handed in 71 days I am sure you can learn to feel confortable with this 36 footer if that's your goal. (Go Ellen!) And I think the First 36.7 a very petty boat to boot! Good Luck. --Dan
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Stewart Simpson
Take a look at the 323
We bought the 323 in June last year and spend almost the rest of the sailing season living aboard. It's a comfortable boat and fst enough for my liking. The furling main allows a custom reef at any time, as we discovered by accident. Docking, especially since I prefer sterning in, was an adventure, but we seem to have mastered it fairly quickly. We had graduated from a 24 Hughes to the 323 and the transition went far better and faster than either of us had anticipated. The 36.7 is also a beautiful boat. There was one being delivered at the same time ours was.
We bought the 323 in June last year and spend almost the rest of the sailing season living aboard. It's a comfortable boat and fst enough for my liking. The furling main allows a custom reef at any time, as we discovered by accident. Docking, especially since I prefer sterning in, was an adventure, but we seem to have mastered it fairly quickly. We had graduated from a 24 Hughes to the 323 and the transition went far better and faster than either of us had anticipated. The 36.7 is also a beautiful boat. There was one being delivered at the same time ours was.
Many to Choose From!
Brian, You have a number of vessels to choose from. Speed is largely a matter of LWL, displacement and sailplan. Most Bs in this size range will sail well enough to keep you from being embarrassed when crossing the bay, even the Oceanis Series. A fast 32' First series will get smoked by a 38'Oceanis "clydesdale". Agility and the ability to sail to weather are a different matter. This is where the First series shines. There are some tradoffs however in cockpit comfort and interior amenities. If light air performance is an issue, stay away from in-mast furling. With experience you should be able to singlehand most Bs up to around 40'. A good autopilot is the key. Run all lines to the cockpit. Condition and quality of sails and a "low drag" prop are important if speed is your thing. We have 1996 B321 with a 29'6" LWL and classic main of good quality and shape. I frequently singlehand with assistance of an autopilot. I am seldom embarrased by vessels of similar length. Only complaint might be performance to weather. For me, it is not a significant issue. Find the vessel that meets your needs and feels good to you. I think that the characterisation of the Oceanis as a "clydesdale" is a bit of an exaggeration. A quick search at Yachtworld will give you a good idea of what will be within your budget. The asking price will be about what you will spend. (Final negotiated price + taxes + survey + documentation and title fees) Good Luck in your search! Jon
Brian, You have a number of vessels to choose from. Speed is largely a matter of LWL, displacement and sailplan. Most Bs in this size range will sail well enough to keep you from being embarrassed when crossing the bay, even the Oceanis Series. A fast 32' First series will get smoked by a 38'Oceanis "clydesdale". Agility and the ability to sail to weather are a different matter. This is where the First series shines. There are some tradoffs however in cockpit comfort and interior amenities. If light air performance is an issue, stay away from in-mast furling. With experience you should be able to singlehand most Bs up to around 40'. A good autopilot is the key. Run all lines to the cockpit. Condition and quality of sails and a "low drag" prop are important if speed is your thing. We have 1996 B321 with a 29'6" LWL and classic main of good quality and shape. I frequently singlehand with assistance of an autopilot. I am seldom embarrased by vessels of similar length. Only complaint might be performance to weather. For me, it is not a significant issue. Find the vessel that meets your needs and feels good to you. I think that the characterisation of the Oceanis as a "clydesdale" is a bit of an exaggeration. A quick search at Yachtworld will give you a good idea of what will be within your budget. The asking price will be about what you will spend. (Final negotiated price + taxes + survey + documentation and title fees) Good Luck in your search! Jon
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Paul
Buy Used
New is great, but after the first year it becomes a used boat. Look for a boat that is 4-6 years old. Watch the internet boat sites and just see how long they can sit for...sometimes years. Let the first owner take the depreciation hit and then when you purchase it the depreciation slide will has slowed. Used boat also have lots of goodies and you get them too. There are many Beneteau 351's for sale...check out Yachtworld. Have Fun
New is great, but after the first year it becomes a used boat. Look for a boat that is 4-6 years old. Watch the internet boat sites and just see how long they can sit for...sometimes years. Let the first owner take the depreciation hit and then when you purchase it the depreciation slide will has slowed. Used boat also have lots of goodies and you get them too. There are many Beneteau 351's for sale...check out Yachtworld. Have Fun
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Dan Knox
Used is Great . . . New can be Great too!
Paul-- While I agree with everything you say for some people new is better than used. No question a used boat is almost always a better deal but there are some people that have so little time to sail that they are forced to choose between sailing time and maintenace time. For these people new is probably better. Remember there is always time to earn a bit more $$$ but it is impossible to buy back time. --Dan
Paul-- While I agree with everything you say for some people new is better than used. No question a used boat is almost always a better deal but there are some people that have so little time to sail that they are forced to choose between sailing time and maintenace time. For these people new is probably better. Remember there is always time to earn a bit more $$$ but it is impossible to buy back time. --Dan
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