Hello there, My wife and I have just ordered our first boat (Beneteau Oceanis 373). I know little about the finer points of boats, but I'd (obviously) like the experience to be positive (easy) for us both, especially in the early days. I'd also like to do twilight races with my local sailing club. I've asked the dealer what extras should we consider to make the boat easier to manage and sail better... he reckons do nothing at all? My question is to all you experienced salts out there... "what options would you recommend we add and why"? I'd appreciate any ideas. Cheers & thanks Tony
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AUTOPILOT
For shorthanded sailing a good autopilot is probably the best single piece of equipment you can have. Your Beneteau should already have roller furling main and headsail so it should be pertty well set up. Ask the dealer to show you how to sail it. They will usually send one instructor, so watch and learn. Good Luck and happy sailing. Dan Sheehan
For shorthanded sailing a good autopilot is probably the best single piece of equipment you can have. Your Beneteau should already have roller furling main and headsail so it should be pertty well set up. Ask the dealer to show you how to sail it. They will usually send one instructor, so watch and learn. Good Luck and happy sailing. Dan Sheehan
Assuming that...
...you are a new sailor, I would strongly suggest that you buy Don Guillette's book on 'Sail Trim'. It's very well written and easy to understand. After you've learned to adjust sails and control the boat I would advise you to race in the JAM (jib and main) division. This will get you started at learning start procedures and basic racing rules. With time and experience you will be able to move up to spinnaker racing. Talking with your club's racers will get you all kinds of advise about what you can do to your boat to make it more competative.
...you are a new sailor, I would strongly suggest that you buy Don Guillette's book on 'Sail Trim'. It's very well written and easy to understand. After you've learned to adjust sails and control the boat I would advise you to race in the JAM (jib and main) division. This will get you started at learning start procedures and basic racing rules. With time and experience you will be able to move up to spinnaker racing. Talking with your club's racers will get you all kinds of advise about what you can do to your boat to make it more competative.
Sail Trim
Thanks Alan Yes, we're newbies but I have extensive catamaran racing (14' Hobie) experience from 25 years ago. BTW the boat will be much more a cruiser than racer! I know I'm going to need to learn a lot about sailing yachts but I was more thinking of accessories to the boat such as larger winches etc.
Thanks Alan Yes, we're newbies but I have extensive catamaran racing (14' Hobie) experience from 25 years ago. BTW the boat will be much more a cruiser than racer! I know I'm going to need to learn a lot about sailing yachts but I was more thinking of accessories to the boat such as larger winches etc.
Extras on New Boat
You've already been asked what "came" /w the boat. I'd definately want a cockpit GPS (portable ?) and an Autopilot (per Dan) for Cruising & Recreational Racing. beyond those, I'd sail her a season, and let my own (& others) experience suggest further expenditures. There's no end to what you could want ... Best luck & enjoy !!! Gord
You've already been asked what "came" /w the boat. I'd definately want a cockpit GPS (portable ?) and an Autopilot (per Dan) for Cruising & Recreational Racing. beyond those, I'd sail her a season, and let my own (& others) experience suggest further expenditures. There's no end to what you could want ... Best luck & enjoy !!! Gord
Shorthanded Newbies
Hi Terry Thanks for the response. It comes pretty well equipped for coastal cruising (most electronics etc). What I had in mind doesn't really come across in my question unfortunately... for instance I was thinking of:- (1) upsizing winches, how much difference do larger winches make? (2) going to new mainsail, fully battened, is it worth it? Pretty fundamental things really. They may be really difficult to answer though I guess. Still, any suggestions are welcome regardless. Thanks Tony Cheers again
Hi Terry Thanks for the response. It comes pretty well equipped for coastal cruising (most electronics etc). What I had in mind doesn't really come across in my question unfortunately... for instance I was thinking of:- (1) upsizing winches, how much difference do larger winches make? (2) going to new mainsail, fully battened, is it worth it? Pretty fundamental things really. They may be really difficult to answer though I guess. Still, any suggestions are welcome regardless. Thanks Tony Cheers again
upgrade primary winches
the standard winches that Beneteau provides are a bit small. I would definitely upgrade the primaries and also the coachroof winches depending on $. If you're going to race, even club races, the "classic" rig would be preferrable to the furling main. Also if you do more than white sails you'll need the spinnaker package. While I'm at it, add a couple more halyards.
the standard winches that Beneteau provides are a bit small. I would definitely upgrade the primaries and also the coachroof winches depending on $. If you're going to race, even club races, the "classic" rig would be preferrable to the furling main. Also if you do more than white sails you'll need the spinnaker package. While I'm at it, add a couple more halyards.
We didn't upgrade the winches because
h34s didn't come with any! I added Barients after the boat was commissioned. Luckily, they were on sale. Then I converted one of them to engine driven hydraulic. It's on my web site. You don't need to do that, but one electric primary sure would make life better. You only need one you know. It can be used on both tacks going to weather too. And get those full battens. No downside to them.
h34s didn't come with any! I added Barients after the boat was commissioned. Luckily, they were on sale. Then I converted one of them to engine driven hydraulic. It's on my web site. You don't need to do that, but one electric primary sure would make life better. You only need one you know. It can be used on both tacks going to weather too. And get those full battens. No downside to them.
re Options and Positive Experience
Options: Low drag prop. The penalty for the low drag prop (feathering or folding) is typically not as much as the benefit you get. Ask around with other people in the club or the dealer and see what they have to say. Snatch blocks for sheeting the jib sheet on the toe rail. Full roach main - go with the max the rules will allow. That's where the power is. Back stay adjuster - this is a really cheap option and a big bang for the buck. re Positive Experience: If it's just the two of you sailing I'd recommend teaching your wife to run the helm and you run the jib sheets and the main sheet. The helm is the easy part where as working the sheets can be a heck of a lot of work.
Options: Low drag prop. The penalty for the low drag prop (feathering or folding) is typically not as much as the benefit you get. Ask around with other people in the club or the dealer and see what they have to say. Snatch blocks for sheeting the jib sheet on the toe rail. Full roach main - go with the max the rules will allow. That's where the power is. Back stay adjuster - this is a really cheap option and a big bang for the buck. re Positive Experience: If it's just the two of you sailing I'd recommend teaching your wife to run the helm and you run the jib sheets and the main sheet. The helm is the easy part where as working the sheets can be a heck of a lot of work.
you what?
did I understand correctly? you just bought a new 37 bent'toe and havnt sailed except for a 14ft hobie 25 yrs ago. dont want to sound coy but, sounds like you need a CPA not sailing advice! (meant as a joke, in case it didnt come across as such!
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did I understand correctly? you just bought a new 37 bent'toe and havnt sailed except for a 14ft hobie 25 yrs ago. dont want to sound coy but, sounds like you need a CPA not sailing advice! (meant as a joke, in case it didnt come across as such!
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12 volt outlet, fans, cockpit VHF radio, safety equipment...
Tony, our B331 did not come with cabin fans or a 12 volt outlet anywhere on the boat. We are installing a fan in the v-berth, aft cabin and salon. We are installing a 12 volt outlet at the navigation station for cell phone, computer, fan etc and at the helm for spotlight and evening cockpit light. We have replaced the Standard Eclipse VHF radio with the Standard Intrepid+ with Ram Mic at the helm. We also added a Life Sling and 2 extra fire extingishers.
Tony, our B331 did not come with cabin fans or a 12 volt outlet anywhere on the boat. We are installing a fan in the v-berth, aft cabin and salon. We are installing a 12 volt outlet at the navigation station for cell phone, computer, fan etc and at the helm for spotlight and evening cockpit light. We have replaced the Standard Eclipse VHF radio with the Standard Intrepid+ with Ram Mic at the helm. We also added a Life Sling and 2 extra fire extingishers.
I think I'd be more concerned with...
getting all the appropriate safety equipment onboard first. Going from a 14' Hobie to a B373 is a pretty big jump (can you say UPGRADE?) so you're really dealing with an entirely different type of sailing and for peace of mind I'd want: 1. automatic fire suppression system w/ engine shutdown 2. extra Halon extinguishers throughout boat 3. carbon monoxide and smoke detectors 4. top quality life raft and ditch bag 5. GPIRB 6. lifesling and MOB poles 7. a selection of autoinflate PFD's 8. gumby (survival) suits 9. a large selection of pyrotechnics 10. a handheld VHF and extra batteries 11. extra bilge pumps 12. emergency hull repair kit 13. radar 14. GPS/chartplotter 15. a good first aid kit 16. harnesses and jacklines 17. foulies 18. some sailing lessons After a season on the water, you're sure to find all kinds of other stuff you want, but I'd start with the basics, and safety gear is as basic as it gets. Congratultions on your new boat! (just checked-out a bunch of Beneteau's at Pacific Sail Expo and they are REALLY nice boats!) Jeff
getting all the appropriate safety equipment onboard first. Going from a 14' Hobie to a B373 is a pretty big jump (can you say UPGRADE?) so you're really dealing with an entirely different type of sailing and for peace of mind I'd want: 1. automatic fire suppression system w/ engine shutdown 2. extra Halon extinguishers throughout boat 3. carbon monoxide and smoke detectors 4. top quality life raft and ditch bag 5. GPIRB 6. lifesling and MOB poles 7. a selection of autoinflate PFD's 8. gumby (survival) suits 9. a large selection of pyrotechnics 10. a handheld VHF and extra batteries 11. extra bilge pumps 12. emergency hull repair kit 13. radar 14. GPS/chartplotter 15. a good first aid kit 16. harnesses and jacklines 17. foulies 18. some sailing lessons After a season on the water, you're sure to find all kinds of other stuff you want, but I'd start with the basics, and safety gear is as basic as it gets. Congratultions on your new boat! (just checked-out a bunch of Beneteau's at Pacific Sail Expo and they are REALLY nice boats!) Jeff
CPA advice
Yes Dan What we've really done is buy a weekender (holiday home). It's a lot cheaper than buying a beach-house here in OZ. Cheers & thanks Tony
Yes Dan What we've really done is buy a weekender (holiday home). It's a lot cheaper than buying a beach-house here in OZ. Cheers & thanks Tony
Thanks to all
Hey, this is terrific. It's great to know a resource like this forum exists with so many people prepared to help. I have noted all your comments and suggestions and will be giving them considerable thought. A heartfelt thanks you all that responded. Cheers Tony
Hey, this is terrific. It's great to know a resource like this forum exists with so many people prepared to help. I have noted all your comments and suggestions and will be giving them considerable thought. A heartfelt thanks you all that responded. Cheers Tony
Agree with Dan
an autopilot, with auto tack control, is like having another soul on board. If you already have roller furling, single line or slab reefing, the AP can effectively let your sig. other be a guest whilst you do all the sail stuff. Works for me/mine-- she reads while I toil.
an autopilot, with auto tack control, is like having another soul on board. If you already have roller furling, single line or slab reefing, the AP can effectively let your sig. other be a guest whilst you do all the sail stuff. Works for me/mine-- she reads while I toil.
Lead lines to cockpit
I'm not sure how the Beneteau's are outfitted, but if there are lines that are not led aft to the cockpit (main halyard, topping lift, etc.), then that is a major upgrade for shorthanded sailing. Not having to go forward to the mast in rough weather (or when your crew is seasick or somehow indisposed) is well worth the expenditure, and ties right in with the earlier posts about safety. - AndyS
I'm not sure how the Beneteau's are outfitted, but if there are lines that are not led aft to the cockpit (main halyard, topping lift, etc.), then that is a major upgrade for shorthanded sailing. Not having to go forward to the mast in rough weather (or when your crew is seasick or somehow indisposed) is well worth the expenditure, and ties right in with the earlier posts about safety. - AndyS
locate your instruments at the helm, get radar
Given the level of investment you've made in such a substantial boat I'll assume that it's modern enough to have the lines led aft as a standard configuration and that you're prepared to invest in electronics commensurate with the capabilities of the boat. Be sure for singlehanding that your cockpit instruments are RIGHT AT THE WHEEL and not in some spot over by the companionway; you've got to be certain you'll see them in fog or dark. Make provisions for some kind of lighting for the instruments; and be sure to include some form of radar in the array, since steering and operating the sails will be enough of a challenge in fog or dark without messing around with trips to the chart table. It goes without saying that some form of radio should always be at hand in the cockpit also.
Given the level of investment you've made in such a substantial boat I'll assume that it's modern enough to have the lines led aft as a standard configuration and that you're prepared to invest in electronics commensurate with the capabilities of the boat. Be sure for singlehanding that your cockpit instruments are RIGHT AT THE WHEEL and not in some spot over by the companionway; you've got to be certain you'll see them in fog or dark. Make provisions for some kind of lighting for the instruments; and be sure to include some form of radar in the array, since steering and operating the sails will be enough of a challenge in fog or dark without messing around with trips to the chart table. It goes without saying that some form of radio should always be at hand in the cockpit also.
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