Am considering a Benateau 31ft boat , what are some of the questions regarding condition should be asked, I will definitely obtain a Survey but any other ideas would be helpful
New to sailing
- Thread starter Gimlimike
- Start date
- Status
Hi Gimlimike
If you would like to divulge your budget for the acquisition of the B31 I am sure there are plenty of fellow sailors that could help you with an array of information based on what you should be looking for and questions to ask the prospective seller or dealer.
Yourself, what are your needs and wish list, this will also help the forum to understand and put together the missing pieces of what you should be looking for.
Look forward to your reply.
If you would like to divulge your budget for the acquisition of the B31 I am sure there are plenty of fellow sailors that could help you with an array of information based on what you should be looking for and questions to ask the prospective seller or dealer.
Yourself, what are your needs and wish list, this will also help the forum to understand and put together the missing pieces of what you should be looking for.
Look forward to your reply.
Hi Benjamin, I think that my budget is appropriate fro a 30ft unit. You asked a very important question about what we want out of our sailboat.
First , we will be sailing on a large inland freshwater lake and plan on taking 3to5day trips north of where we live, draft is important and from what I gather in talking-to local sailors a 6 foot draft is maximum, we will be taking our grandchildren for short day trips probably notmkore than a mile or two away from the harbor.
We need a space for 4 adults and two kids to sleep some of the time and for the two of us to sleep most of the time. Most important is that there is enough room above board to sit for 8 pele. My conundrum is a wheel vs rudder as it appears that a wheel takes a lot of room.
Any thoughts ?
First , we will be sailing on a large inland freshwater lake and plan on taking 3to5day trips north of where we live, draft is important and from what I gather in talking-to local sailors a 6 foot draft is maximum, we will be taking our grandchildren for short day trips probably notmkore than a mile or two away from the harbor.
We need a space for 4 adults and two kids to sleep some of the time and for the two of us to sleep most of the time. Most important is that there is enough room above board to sit for 8 pele. My conundrum is a wheel vs rudder as it appears that a wheel takes a lot of room.
Any thoughts ?
Hi Gimlimike
I can not talk for the 31 but would think that this would fit your needs and depending on the age of the grand children as to there sleeping area requirement, I can sleep upside down like a fruit bat so room is not a problem for me. As for tiller or wheel, personally I would not be without a wheel though it can be a pain when boarding (fold up optional). I like to steer with my feet on lazy layed back afternoons and going out through the bar its great to hold on too, there are many other advantages (for me) having a wheel.
The shallow draft option is good with access to tight spots and anchoring close to shore especially with the little ones and on a lake, perfect.
Have you looked at many boat to date or is it early days in your search...?
I hope others with similar size yachts add to this thread with how there boat size works for there families
Having a 36 ft is perfect for my wife and I and anything smaller would not be suitable as we can have our own space, however we all have different needs and it is important to make sure that you find the right size boat that will work in well with you and your family, in ending, will there always be 4 adults and 2 children on board most times you sail and would you sail most weekends...?
Regards Benjamin
I can not talk for the 31 but would think that this would fit your needs and depending on the age of the grand children as to there sleeping area requirement, I can sleep upside down like a fruit bat so room is not a problem for me. As for tiller or wheel, personally I would not be without a wheel though it can be a pain when boarding (fold up optional). I like to steer with my feet on lazy layed back afternoons and going out through the bar its great to hold on too, there are many other advantages (for me) having a wheel.
The shallow draft option is good with access to tight spots and anchoring close to shore especially with the little ones and on a lake, perfect.
Have you looked at many boat to date or is it early days in your search...?
I hope others with similar size yachts add to this thread with how there boat size works for there families
Having a 36 ft is perfect for my wife and I and anything smaller would not be suitable as we can have our own space, however we all have different needs and it is important to make sure that you find the right size boat that will work in well with you and your family, in ending, will there always be 4 adults and 2 children on board most times you sail and would you sail most weekends...?
Regards Benjamin
If you get the chance you might at least look at the Beneteau 323. We've had 12 in the large cockpit for sing-alongs. There is a shallow draft version with swing keel and dual rudders. My standard draft is 4' 9". LARGE head the ladies love. Don't know if it's within your budget. There's a 323 owner's web site you can get on for projects and questions.
A tiller takes alot of room because it has to swing. In a crowded cockpit, someone may be in the way if you need to do some steering real quick.
A tiller takes alot of room because it has to swing. In a crowded cockpit, someone may be in the way if you need to do some steering real quick.
Thanks Benjamin and Ron for your comments. We will be purchasing in the US and have had some negative feedback regarding saltwater boats as opposed to fresh water boats, do you have any pros or cons . Also any suggestions re engine size, have read negatives regarding anything smaller than 16 to 18hp as they relate to maneuverability in rough water. What is the standard engine on a B31 ? And any comments on reliability and cost of servicing
Gimlimike
Hi, hope all is going well and we are giving you useful information as per your questions.
As Ron pointed out and I failed to do, a tiller can be a bugger if you need to take evasive action and your cockpit is full. secondly, I gather that the place you will be sailing is landlocked, meaning you have no access to the sea...? If the above is the case you will need to consider the cost of road transporting a yacht from point of purchase to your lake...?
Can not talk for cost of servicing state side but parts for Volvo's are damn expensive down under and so the servicing. I have taken on my own servicing to keep cost down and have found a site for purchasing cheaper parts,(half the going price most times) Ron will be able to help you with best choice of engine as he, like yourself is State side, has a similar size boat to what your looking for and has local knowledge.
Good luck and keep firing questions at us and surely others will offer quality advice also.
Hi, hope all is going well and we are giving you useful information as per your questions.
As Ron pointed out and I failed to do, a tiller can be a bugger if you need to take evasive action and your cockpit is full. secondly, I gather that the place you will be sailing is landlocked, meaning you have no access to the sea...? If the above is the case you will need to consider the cost of road transporting a yacht from point of purchase to your lake...?
Can not talk for cost of servicing state side but parts for Volvo's are damn expensive down under and so the servicing. I have taken on my own servicing to keep cost down and have found a site for purchasing cheaper parts,(half the going price most times) Ron will be able to help you with best choice of engine as he, like yourself is State side, has a similar size boat to what your looking for and has local knowledge.
Good luck and keep firing questions at us and surely others will offer quality advice also.
- Status