Thinking about an F285

[OldCat]

I am thinking of moving up from the 22' boat that I am sailing now to something in the 28' range that I can weekend on with my kids. The F285 Beneteaus catch my eye - I like Beneteau styling in general and these boats seem well laid out above and below decks for my sailing style and accomodation needs.A few questions, if I may:The Volvo diesel, good/bad? I have heard that parts are expensive - are they, and how much so compared to other common diesels?If the keel is attached to fairly flat floors - is it a problem or is the keel to hull joint solid if the boat is OK to start? 28' boats seem to sit on the market - I have been watching these for a while and they seem slow to sell - is there a reason such as a problem with the boats, or is 28' just an unpopular size? Well priced F310's for example seem to sell faster (ah there is a dream), is 30-31' just a more popular size or is there some other reason?Many F285's seem to have the throttle/shifter down on the footwell sides. How hard is it to move it up to the wheel pedastal?Any info or experience with these boats appreciated!Thanks, OldCat

 

[ericsmith3d]

I own one

and really enjoy her. She sails very well (tho, if my home waters would allow, I'd prefer the standard rather than the shoal keel). My wife and I spend the weekend every week during the season and we both love the space; it seems to compare favorably with bigger boats. Can't say why 28 footers don't sell well, not sure I agree, although I'd prefer a 42'. The one nagging problem with it is that the headliner has a foam backing which is deteriorating and it's coming down all over. Fixing that is going to be a major pain in the ass.I understand the Volvo parts are expensive but have no experience myself since I've never had to purchase any. It starts easily and motors smoothly. It also furnishes plenty of power.I'd buy another one again (if I couldn't go bigger).

 

[OldCat]

Thanks, Eric

Shoal keel for me, too. Where I live she will spend a few months a year on a trailer [this is not a problem, it is done all the time around here].The fantasy is - buy a boat near the coast, spend a few weeks vacation sailing before trailering back home and putting her in a slip on one of the bigger lakes near here. I may just get there early spring!Thanks, OldCat

 

[Dragonfly6689]

Sailed 1990 model on Mark Twain Lake...

for a couple of years. She sailed great. Never had a problem with the Volvo engine. Would still have her but took the admiral to Chicago Boat Show. We now sail a B331...more room.Mark

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

Might want to expand your field a little

Don't know if you have seen/sailed an Oceanis 281 or not.Basically the same size as the 285, somewhat newer, and an entirely different interior layout with a seperate aft cabin.If you would like some photos of the interior, let me know.I love mine.Bill

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

Might want to widen your field a little

Don't know if you have seen/sailed an Oceanis 281 or not.Basically the same size as the 285, somewhat newer, and an entirely different interior layout with a seperate aft cabin.I love mine.

 

[OldCat]

Oceanis 281

Bill: OC281: Nice boats - I haven't seen one up close, but I got the impression that the cockpit might be shorter and that this might not be as good for family daysailing (5-6 people). Any 28 is probably too small for all 5 of us to sleep on & not go looney, but I want to be able to overnight with the kids and day sail with the Admiral along for the ride. Opinions of the OC 281 cockpit for a day sail with 5-6?Dragonfly: I understand the B331, if only I could figure out how to trailer it!

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

cockpit size

I have a friend with a 285 (beautiful boat) and I don't think there is much difference in the size of the cockpit however I haven't actually measured them. One difference is that the 285 has a tiller and the 281 a wheel. Considering tiller swing room and wheel pedistal room loss, you would have to judge which provides more cockpit comfort. As far as 5 or 6 folks in the cockpit, I've had 6 adults but it is crowded unless some are comfortable sitting on the coach roof or hanging out in the companionway. I usually have the helm seat out to provide better access to the swim platform/ladder, with the seat in, there is one more seat available. Some also have stern rail seats (I don't).As far as overnighting with 5, it really depends on the size of the five. The aft cabin sleeps two comfortably assuming you are not too large. The backrest on the forward settee folds down (see photo) to lengthen the v-berth some and it would sleep 2 kids or 2 adults (less than 6'), again depending on their size. The port and starboard settees also can be used for sleeping for small kids.The table that is standard in the 281 is too large in my opinion so I used the hardware and made a smaller one. The 285 has a better designed table that folds out of the way better.I believe that there is more sleeping room inside a 281 than a 285.Again if you would like some additional pictures of the interior, let me know.Bill

 

[OldCat]

Thanks, Bill

Thanks, for your offer to post picts, if you wish, great, but generally I can find enough picts by poking about Yachtworld and similar sites. You might post them in the 281 section of this site for all, more picts are always good for those still dreaming.Some 285 have a tiller - most that I have seen for sale picts of have a wheel.The 281's are newer and thus more expensive - something else for me to consider.