Oceanis 311

[Julian]

I would welcome any feedback on the 311, particularly sailing performance, and on the Beneteau drop keels in advance of perhaps purchasing a Beneteau 311 with lifting keel. Email address is julian@jersey.comThanks

 

[Tom]

Beneteau 311 sails great

I have had my Beneteau 311 with a drop keel for 2 1/2 months. It performs great. I sail in the Chesapeake Bay which is quite shallow in parts so I considered a swing keel but I decided on the drop keel because I felt it would be a more stable boat. I have been in 20 knots of wind and it points quite well. My only complaint is that when I got caught in 30 knots of wind and I had to head into the wind I could not make any headway with the 18 hp Yanmar diesel engine. I am a little concerned about what I would do if I get caught in a summer squall where the winds are excess of 30 knots of wind. My training tells me to drop my sails, motor and head into the wind. Not sure what the outcome would be in that case with all the shallow areas and shore close by.Thanks,Tom

 

[Ken Cobb]

Don't drop all your sails

Your boat could leave sails up in only 30 knots, albeit reefed or double-reefed, in which case you could tack upwind away from shallow water, using the motor for extra assistance.Even leaving the jib or main up alone and tacking would allow your motor to work with your sails to get you away from a lee shore.