Would you recommend it?

[Lee]

My wife and I are on a 5 year plan to go cruising permanently. We're looking at possible boats and have gotten it down to 5 we really like. A lot will depend on what's available when we get ready to go, but I'm really interested in the Beneteau 40 center cockpit. Initially, probably the first couple years, we'll be cruising the Carribean, but intend to head for Austalia, Japan and who knows where else. Is the 40 going to be a good boat for what we want to do? Is it seakindly enough for Pacific storms? Does it have enough storage? We'll probably look for the wing keeled version because of the Carribean cruising. Any comments or thoughts?

 

[Steve]

Difficult choices and tradeoffs

Center-cockpits are very popular liveaboards, but not in the tropics. That great big aft stateroom becomes secondary to a large cockpit and easy ingress/egress off the transom, two features sorely missing on a CC. Crossing the Pacific will be no problem in a larger Beneteau so long as you go easy on the fresh water. Boredom, the doldrums, and lack of wind are bigger problems than storms.Also, upgrade your fridge/freezer box. The standard Bene fridge just won't hack it and engine driven refrigeration means a minimum of two hours engine time every day, a task for which you must be present. Instead, get a good electric model, a high R box, and a windmill or two. Otherwise, expect a lot of spoilage.Lastly, charter for a few weeks in the tropics. You'll be amazed at what you need compared to what you think you'll need.