I am interested in a Beneteau 235. I've tried to get on the benteau 235 Forum, but it doesn't look like it is operational anymore. Is this true? I understand they have several issues, i.e. Rudder bolt upgrade and Headliner problems. Any other problem areas I should be aware of. What is the best years, etc. I am curious about one picture I saw of a 235 that I think maybe a good idea. Note, I only saw one boat like this. The motor was mounted on a conventional Motor Mount on the Port Side near the round window in the Transom, rather than in the "Motor Well" on the Starboard side. I assume the benefit was to use the old "Motor Well" as an easier point of entry to get on/off the boat, for a swim ladder. Has anyone else seen this configuration?
My next boat?
- Thread starter bigpapaporsche
- Start date
The First 235 is a great boat, easily one of the best 21-24 foot boats ever made. I did a review of the thing once.
http://messingaboutintheboat.blogspot.com/p/about-beneteau-first-235.html
The site is still up but you have to register, and getting the SiteOp to verify the login can be hard. PM me and I'll email him.
Now to your questions.
The headliner material WILL most likely fall. The foam backing gives out after 20 years or so; guess Beneteau didn't see that on coming. To be fair, almost all French boats of this vintage had this happen. More details here.
http://messingaboutintheboat.blogspot.com/2010/04/headliner-replacement.html
The rudder bolts (blade to cassette) need to be changed every 5-10 years; they are nylon and can seize. But no real biggie if you stay on top of it.
Biggest issue to understand is the spreader base upgrade. The original Z190 spar is slightly underspec'ed for the boat and a upgrade was done to strengthen the spreader base. Its available from US Spars and can be installed in 1-2 hours with the mast down. Very recommended. Looks like this when done.
I've seen that mod. I assume the PO had a good reason to do it that made sense to HIM, but for the 99% of the other owners I know (including myself, the original plan with the ladder on port and and the motor in the notch on starboard works perfectly.
http://messingaboutintheboat.blogspot.com/p/about-beneteau-first-235.html
The site is still up but you have to register, and getting the SiteOp to verify the login can be hard. PM me and I'll email him.
Now to your questions.
The headliner material WILL most likely fall. The foam backing gives out after 20 years or so; guess Beneteau didn't see that on coming. To be fair, almost all French boats of this vintage had this happen. More details here.
http://messingaboutintheboat.blogspot.com/2010/04/headliner-replacement.html
The rudder bolts (blade to cassette) need to be changed every 5-10 years; they are nylon and can seize. But no real biggie if you stay on top of it.
Biggest issue to understand is the spreader base upgrade. The original Z190 spar is slightly underspec'ed for the boat and a upgrade was done to strengthen the spreader base. Its available from US Spars and can be installed in 1-2 hours with the mast down. Very recommended. Looks like this when done.
I've seen that mod. I assume the PO had a good reason to do it that made sense to HIM, but for the 99% of the other owners I know (including myself, the original plan with the ladder on port and and the motor in the notch on starboard works perfectly.
When I first bought my 1992 B235, I could not stand the 1/4berth. I felt like I was suffocating. I replaced that black port on the stern to an opening Beckson. Made alot of difference in airflow in the 1/4. One morning, another crew was first up and slid the hatch open; the boards were not in place then. I guess it was the venturi effect, but the brezze through the 1/4 was quite different. He opened, then closed it again, and the same thing happened.