Is the 331 worth buying?

[Quint]

Hello. I am interested in buying a brand new Beneteau 331. Unlike cars none of us can "test drive" sailboats. My dealer wants a deposit prior to a sea trial. What I would like to know is the 331 a good boat? 1. Does it sail well in heavy seas (10 feet plus)2. Does it sail well in high winds (30 knots plus)3. Does it hold up well? Meaning do things break on it. Handles, port holes, etc...4. Does it leak? Thanks to any and all who help out.Quint

 

[Henryv]

Happy B331 owner

I took delivery on a B331 in April. My sailing conditions would not usually involve waves of the size you would encounter so I can't offer any experience there however the B331 is a solid boat rated for open ocean so I suspect it will handle large seas reasonably well. I have experienced a number of days with relatively high winds - I have found that with the furling main well reefed and just a bit more canvas on the jib it handles well and balances nicely. The 27 hp Westerbeke also powers the boat well when required. Overall I am very pleased with the boat.

 

[Warren]

Very happy, too!

I second Henry's vote on the B331. I bought my boat last year and I've been extremely happy with it. The only leak I found was under the binnacle right after commissioning but was corrected right away. As for sailing in high winds, the boat points well and with the furling main and jib, very easy to reef. I haven't sailed it in rough seas but I would imagine it will do well, too.WarrenS/V Jetmags#010

 

[Henryv]

Added comment re seas

When I wrote my note last week I commented that my experience did not include large waves - that was before the weekend when we got hit with a sudden severe storm. In a matter of minutes winds went fron 10 knots to 40 . I was too busy to check my wind speed indicator as I had full sail up when the storm hit - I was able to start the engine and power into the wind so as to reef the main - I was very happy to have a furling main - the jib was flogging violently and wrapped itself in loops around the forestay - I had to do circles to get it untangled after which I was able to furl it with the help of a winch. We then rode out the storm under power - the waves were breaking over the bow and giving me a good rinsing at the helm - I estimate them at 8 feet or better with relatively short troughs. At no time through the experience did the boat cause me to be fearfull - I felt it handled everything well and came away even more pleased with my choice of the B331.

 

[Jerry Hause]

Happy also

I took delivery of my 331 last Dec. #80. I don't normally encounter waves of any size on the lake, but have sailed in 30 winds a couple of times and a lot of 20 , and the boat handles like a dream. We get a lot of gusts and sudden shifts and it has never felt overpowered. I have had no problem with leaks...hope it stays that way.