beneteau sailboat reputation

Common Issues With Beneteau Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Beneteau sailboats are well-made and durable, but these vessels have a few common issues that are exacerbated by age and poor maintenance.

The most common issues with used Beneteau sailboats are strange creaking sounds, fiberglass cracking or delamination, deck core rot, corrosion, keel separation, interior wear, and various wiring and electrical problems.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the issues that you may encounter on older Beneteau sailboats. We’ll go over why these issues occur, how to spot them, and a brief overview of how to repair them. Additionally, we’ll explain why Beneteau sailboats have slightly fewer problems than similar production sailboats.

We sourced the information used in this article from careful research. We also drew off the collective knowledge of the sailing community and the testimony of past and current Beneteau owners.

Table of contents

‍ Are Beneteau Sailboats Well-Made?

Yes, Beneteau sailboats are just as well-made as any other popular production fiberglass boat. The company has produced thousands of affordable boats over the years, and the vast majority of them enjoy years or decades of trouble-free sailing—with regular maintenance, of course.

Former sailboat salesmen sometimes describe Beneteau as “the Ford of the sailboat industry,” alluding that they’re a bit nicer than the other entry-level brands but not quite top-of-the-line. However, modern Beneteau sailboats are much more premium.

Newer Beneteau sailboats are just as high-quality as the old ones—and sometimes better. These vessels have a reputation for quality parts, and few sailors regard them as cheaply-built boats. The cabinet materials, hull glassing, and fittings are generally good from the factory.

Why do Beneteau Sailboats Have Problems?

Beneteau sailboats are some of the better-built production fiberglass boats on the used market. They’re usually stronger than other similarly-priced sailboats due to their hull reinforcements, and many of their fittings are the same as similar vessels and manufactured by third-party companies.

The main reason why we see problems with Beneteau sailboats is due to their age and lower price point. People don’t always take care of their stuff, and most Beneteau sailboats fall victim to time and varying levels of natural deterioration.

Beneteau sailboats aren’t any more or less prone to problems. That said, there are some common issues found on older Beneteau boats that you’re likely to encounter on other sailboats as well.

Common Beneteau Sailboat Problems

Beneteau sailboats are generally well-made and long-lasting, even if previous owners haven’t been 100% on top of maintenance. However, Beneteau sailboats have some generational problems that are common enough to discuss.

Additionally, as the older boats age, the sailing community is becoming aware of potential shortcomings in their construction and design. Luckily, most of these issues can be repaired—if caught early and dealt with promptly. Here are seven of the most common problems with Beneteau sailboats.

1. Strange Noises

Ever heard an old house start to complain on a windy day? The same issue is known to occur on older Beneteau sailboats, but it’s usually not a huge cause for concern. Nonetheless, it’s nerve-wracking for sailors and sometimes a sign of a more serious problem.

When sailing, some Beneteau sailboats will creak and moan—especially in rough seas or high winds. This is likely due to stress on the chainplates, stays, and rigging as pressures are exerted on them. Boats naturally have a certain amount of flex, and sometimes it produces noise.

What’s more concerning is when the noises are a sign of wear on key components or a weakening of the vessel’s structure. This is apparent if you notice cracks around chainplates in the fiberglass or if you see any critical components flexing under normal strain.

2. Fiberglass Delamination

Delamination occurs when fiberglass is exposed to sunlight and weather for extended periods, and the process is worsened by poor or non-existent hull and deck maintenance. Beneteau sailboats are made from multiple layers of fiberglass and a laminate, which can separate from each other over time and weaken the boat.

Delamination can also expose the core to moisture, which can spell disaster for the boat. Luckily, delamination is easy to spot and somewhat easy for amateurs to repair with a kit from West Marine. Any delamination, especially on the deck, should be repaired as soon as you notice it.

3. Weakened or Soft Decks

Deck weakening is caused by moisture which rots the organic core that supports the fiberglass. Not all boats are built this way, but the vast majority of Beneteau sailboats are constructed with a cored deck.

This is a problem that occurs on most fiberglass boats and is not disproportionately common on Beneteau sailboats. So, how do decks go soft, and why is it such a big problem?

Beneteau decks go soft when moisture gets behind the fiberglass. Eventually, once the core has turned to rotten goo, the deck will feel springy or spongy when you step on it. If the problem persists, you could (quite literally) fall through the deck.

Rotten decks can be a nightmare to fix. Usually, the rotted section must be completely cut out and redone with fiberglass and plywood or another structural material. If the rot is isolated, the repair can be completed without too much of a headache.

Beneteau boats with teak decks can also experience rot, as unmaintained wood can weaken and become a splintery mess over years or decades of neglect. A rotted teak deck can be repaired piece by piece. But more often than not, an entirely new deck must be cut and installed.

4. Corrosion

Corrosion is common on Beneteau sailboats, especially the older vessels that have been exposed to the weather for decades. This is why it’s important to cover your winches and keep valuable parts out of the sun and rain.

Corrosion occurs most often on chainplates, rigging, winches, and other metal parts. It can also happen on the mast and boom, especially if the wrong kind of bolts and washers are used. Again, this is a problem that’s due primarily to the age and condition of the vessel.

5. Keel Failure

The dreaded keel failure is one of the most severe problems that can occur on a Beneteau sailboat without sinking it. This occurs because of the design of Beneteau sailboats, which commonly use fin keels of some sort that are laden with heavy ballast.

The keel is mounted to the hull using heavy-duty bolts. It’s not part of the hull—but an additional piece that can separate under the right circumstances. This is usually the result of running aground or bolt corrosion, but there are numerous ways it can happen.

So, how often do keels fall off Beneteau sailboats? Hardly ever—what’s more common is a loosening of the keel, which can rock back and forth and progressively increase the severity of the problem and possibly cause flooding.

If the keel separates, you should have it repaired immediately. This can be done by any competent boatyard, but it isn’t a cheap repair. You can spot a loose keel by looking for cracks or obvious lines around the point where the keel meets the bottom of the hull.

Thankfully, keel separation and failure is relatively rare on Beneteau boats and less common than on other less expensive brands. Vessels should be inspected out of the water if keel separation is suspected.

6. Interior Wear

Beneteau sailboat interiors have always been pretty good, but over time things begin to get loose and worn out. Common points of failure are hinges, which sometimes pull their screws out of wooden cabinets and doors.

Drawers can sometimes become jammed, as early models were built without modern metal sliders. Leaks around hatches and portlights can also occur, especially towards the front of the boat over the V-berth and around ventilation cowls.

This allows rainwater to enter the cabin and cause mold and sometimes leads to deck rot. If water gets into the cabin, even for a short time, there’s a good chance it’ll ruin the upholstery, which must be replaced.

7. Wiring and Electrical Issues

Beneteau sailboats have a pretty good writing layout, but there are a few annoying design decisions that can be difficult to repair. Wiring can corrode if exposed to moisture, and the boat may need to be extensively rewired to get lights and other systems to work.

It may be worth it to disconnect the source and leave old wiring in place, as it can be impossible to locate or remove old cables or re-thread new ones. This would be a bigger issue if the previous owner jerry-rigged anything into the original wiring, as diagrams won’t show it.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Beneteau First 36 review: Is this the best First yacht in years?

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2023

Is the Beneteau First back to its iconic best with the new lightweight, sporty cruiser-racer for all levels of sailors, the Beneteau First 36?

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

You might not appreciate it at first glance, but this could well be the best performance production yacht we’ll see for some time. This realisation creeps up on you slowly, and is further confirmed the more time you spend aboard the new Beneteau First 36.

I’m far from alone in thinking this and the Beneteau First 36 won the highly competitive performance category in this year’s European Yacht of the Year competition – and with unanimous votes from the 12-strong jury.

The Beneteau First 36 is neither brash nor sexy. Rather, it’s modest, simple even, but, as you soon discover, ergonomically brilliant. It’s not perfect of course – a comparatively small and fiddly heads compartment ensures that – but it is a superb marriage of design, engineering and industrial nous. All of which begs the question, is this finally a return to the dual purpose cruiser-racer roots of the First?

First and foremost

What’s in a name? A lot. More than 25,000 yachts in over 70 different model formats have launched bearing the First branding over the last 45 years. These boats gained a reputation for offering cruising comfort combined with race-winning potential, all at an acceptable price point. That hasn’t really been the focus for many years – until now perhaps.

This Beneteau First 36 was conceived initially in 2018 by Seascape, the sportsboat specialists which Groupe Beneteau bought and rebranded the year before. It became a major collaboration between the brands, their designers and engineers. This is the Slovenian yard’s first new Beneteau, tasked with reviving that dual purpose ethos of First and designed to bridge the gap between its sportsboats and the larger, more luxurious French-built Beneteau First 44 and Beneteau First 53 .

The First 36 is arguably the only mainstream production cruising yacht that can plane in moderate winds. Twin rudders allow you to push but remain in control. Photo: Beneteau First/Ana Šutej

Seascape founders and mini Transat sailors, Andraz Mihelin and Kristian Hajnšek, have collaborated with Sam Manuard on all their designs to date. The racing scene has since caught up and Manuard is now the in-demand Class 40 and IMOCA 60 designer.

Mihelin defines their creation concisely: “It’s designed with one purpose: to motivate people to sail more.” That’s quite the task! Yet since I first sailed with Mihelin on their debut Seascape 18 in 2009, we have seen and frequently discussed how sailing has changed. The desire for space and comfort has driven a burgeoning multihull market, while the planing monohull market has been left largely to a few skilled niche yards such as Pogo and JPK.

Get people sailing

Typically, when you crave the conditions to really send a yacht, you get no such luck. I had two trials out of La Rochelle, where we spent the majority of the time in single figure windspeeds. That said, there was plenty of opportunity to see just how easily driven – and easy to drive – this design is, and to learn more about how it achieves that from the designers and builders who joined us on board.

Simple but really neat control lines led to hand. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

The light breezes dictated that our preferred option was to reach whenever possible with a big (140m2) blue gennaker, where we could induce some heel and make average speeds of 8-8.5 knots. The Beneteau First 36 is designed to hit double figures in around 14 knots wind and we noted how it starts planing in the high 8-knot boatspeeds in around 12 knots wind.

It also has the stability and control to keep plenty of sail up when speed reaching. A couple of my fellow European Yacht of the Year jury members did get to sail it in 20 knots and recorded figures of 10-13.5 knots under Code 0 at 90° and up to 14.5 knots under kite at 120°. That’s rapid for an 11m monohull.

The Beneteau First 36 is also quick upwind, even in the light stuff, where we typically made around 7 knots in these conditions, although it’s not one for pointing too high – start to pinch (less than 45° true) and you quickly sacrifice half a knot.

The sporty feel on the helm and how it moves on the water is the real take away. It’s a light boat with plenty of rocker and is responsive to longitudinal weight distribution, so crew weight distribution will be important when racing. Nevertheless, on the second day in slightly lighter breezes and with eight people aboard, we maintained a consistent 7.5 knots, occasionally touching 8 knots with the gennaker (with little attention to crew weight positioning!).

Manuard’s powerful hull shape uses reverse sheer for a low look. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

It’s the ease of that speed that stood out. For a 36ft boat to be averaging high rather than mid single figures, is the difference between sporty and displacement sailing. That translates to a significant increase in fun factor too. The First has a very high sail area to displacement ratio and although it’s technically a planing/high performance boat, it doesn’t look like one whether on or below decks.

How do they do that?

The mastery lies in the engineering and build. The Seascape team has produced an impressively light standard boat, a fully cored, vacuum infused hull and deck with sandwich bulkheads. Everything is structural with no needless weight. It’s closer to specialist race boat building than the more industrial methods its parent company specialises in, yet without the expensive exotic materials. The wide but short foam cored swim platform weighs just 8kg for example, and the overall light displacement is under 4.8 tonnes.

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“There’s no silver bullet here, it’s lots of small things,” Mihelin comments. All scantlings were optimised by Kiwi specialists Pure Design and Engineering and adapted by Manuard and Hajnšek to within labour cost targets.

The ease with which you can maintain good speeds on the water is one thing, but then there’s the ease of sailing the boat. As the boat’s interior designer Lorenzo Argento proved, you can spend long periods reaching with no hands on the wheel as it tracks along effortlessly. He is so impressed he has bought a Beneteau First 36 for his 60th Birthday.

The First 36 is a great deal of fun to sail. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

In fact, there was very little pressure increase in helm on all angles, whether sailing upwind under jib at 7 knots, or beam reaching with the code 0 at 8.5 knots. “Sam’s brief was that we don’t want a boat that’s hard to sail,” says Mihelin.

The Jefa steering links to high aspect rudders on stainless steel stocks. Were twin rudders really needed on this, as it’s not an overly beamy shape? A well mannered boat is part of the core brief, Manuard replies, adding that with this type of hull shape even pros would struggle to control it with a single rudder when pressed.

Manuard has found fame with his scow bow shapes so I was also curious if he’d considered that approach here. “We thought it out of the scope of the boat – it’s not an extreme racer,” he explains. “The scow comes with negatives, the slamming is really difficult to bear… the biggest point of this boat is that it suits a lot of people.”

Warmth of wood. The compact galley has adequate stowage, particularly in the raised lockers and bin outboard of the sink. Photo: Branko Ceak

The designer used reverse sheer as a styling and space trick, to keep the bow and stern comparatively low (the latter to avoid a bulky appearance), yet maintain reasonable coachroof height for access. The deck design is also deliberately simple. “It’s one of the reasons we threw out a tiller system,” says Mihelin, explaining that the Beneteau Group has a lot of customer and user data, and knew that 90% of 37.7s were sold with wheels.Nevertheless, a tiller is an option many racing and short-handed sailors would love to have on this boat.

Keep it simple

The clean, working cockpit transforms from cruising to racing mode by removing the aft sets of cockpit benches and table, leaving just the short forward benches. This not only jettisons some weight but frees up key space to work the sheets, particularly the primary winches, where there is then space enough to stand and grind.

The navstation is comfortable and a good size, although you lose seated headroom outboard, and the saloon is generous and comfy. Photo: Branko Ceak

A prime benefit of creating a lightweight shell is that you can take weight out of the appendages too. Here a 1.5 tonne cast iron keel and unfussy Z-Spars aluminium rig comes as standard, while a square top main was rejected because it adds weight to the mast and the additional complication of runners.

All running rigging is left exposed, led aft to a bank of six clutches each side of the companionway. The jib sheets are led through low friction rings, controlled via in- and outhaul purchase systems each side, to give full cockpit control of jib sheet leads and angles with minimal weight. Tail bags help keep the cockpit and companionway area tidy and the six-winch layout is designed to allow cross-sheeting of all sheets to the windward side.

There’s a slot in front of the wheels to work the mainsheet winches, and without the aft benches, more space to sit and trim the main or jib. The traveller controls and backstay purchase are led neatly to camcleats here too, within reach of trimmer or helm.

The stanchions are through-bolted with supports for hiking crew, while an offshore hatch on the foredeck provides bracing if changing headsails. On deck stowage is in a quarter locker and one large main aft locker, from where the steering gear is accessed.

simple, no frills forward cabin has 6ft headroom up to the berth, a single locker and raised shelving. Photo: Branko Ceak

Lightweight performance yachts are typically stripped or have a very minimalist feel, an impression you certainly don’t get here. The Beneteau/Seascape team has been clever in maintaining a feeling of warmth and a certain level of cruising comfort needed for a dual-purpose boat.

The surprising part is perhaps how this is achieved, in that many of the kilos that have been saved, by using sandwich bulkheads rather than any structural plywood for example, are added back in the form of proper doors, tables, wooden floors and trim. It makes a difference between cruising and camping aboard.

Key criteria were to include a proper navstation for racing with a chart table large enough to be used as an office desk, and a three cabin only layout. The thinking is that a two cabin yacht of this size would typically have a stowage area in place of the third cabin, whereas here the identical aft cabins are adaptable and can both be used either as doubles or a single with large work cabin/stowage space.

Overall, the interior is kept symmetrical and simple with easy flowing access. The central island, with its integral two-level fridge, is an excellent feature. Conceived by Argento, it provides bracing where you need it most, yet a clear passage each side, which will be valuable for moving or stacking sails. A large wooden chopping board extends work surface space by joining the island to the sink or chart table.

Aft cabins are clever as they can be used as doubles or work cabin/stowage space. Photo: Branko Ceak

The saloon has long, sleepable berths with particularly comfortable cushions, however, with tanks below the berths, practical accessible stowage is found wanting. An angled V-shaped entrance to the forward cabin and heads helps extend the saloon and there is decent space at both ends of the table to sit or walk around.

The small heads compartment and decision to go with a door that opens inwards will be an area of contention, and the lack of separate shower a potential deal breaker. The solution is more reminiscent of an airline- or train-style toilet. While it is possible to shut the door after you, it takes a bit of practice and larger crew will need contortionist skills. The folding sink is neatly done, with a drop down mirror above it, but it leaves you questioning the long term practicality and durability of such a fitting.

Build quality is impressive. The Beneteau First 36 has a vacuum infused Vinylester hull and deck and a Corecell foam core. “Using foam helped us take 200kg out of the hull”, says Seascape’s CTO Hajnšek, adding that Pure Design helped them to get rid of balsa as a core. The lightweight sandwich technique results in all the liners weighing just 60kg for (an estimated 200kg saving).

Seascape will know better than any that it can shed another 300-500kg by removing timber and using a different keel. It leads one to think there’ll be a turbo edition of this model in the future, with tiller, water ballast and foam cored furniture.

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The First 36 strips away sailing complexities in an effort to ensure it can be fun for crewed racing and short-hand sailing. This is the planing boat amateur sailors can enjoy. It’s no glitzy head turner, we’ve yet to see how it will rate and perform on the race course, and it’s fairly basic with small tanks for cruising. However, it still firmly ticks the cruiser-racer box. It’s built with production ‘standard’ (non-exotic) materials, and thanks to good design and engineering, it delivers on the water. Is this a new First icon then? The First marque used to dominate the value-for-money cruiser-racer sector, and this model arguably takes us back to those roots. And yet the 36 introduces another factor above these – high performance that is approachable enough to encourage fun for all levels of sailors. The heads is arguably a mistake and will be inconvenient for larger crewmembers. I also wonder if they can be built quickly enough to this standard, while hoping that the more sustainable materials Beneteau is already employing on its First 44 can be used for this model soon too. But how refreshing! A stiff, planing boat that puts the focus back on sailing is surely the way to go. Easy speed equates to more sailing time. The 36 is indeed class. First class.

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Boat Review: Beneteau First Yacht 53

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: February 20, 2020

A freshening breeze, ­building from near calm to the midteens, brought perfect conditions for a morning sail on the new Beneteau First Yacht 53. With sails up, our speed over the ground effortlessly matched that of the light breeze, and when things got puffy out on Chesapeake Bay a bit later, well, we went soaring.

Standing atop an angled fold-up helmsmen perch at the starboard wheel, with the lee rail close to buried and the windward rudder completely out of the water, I had the otherworldly feeling of flying across the water, and it was absolutely a thrill. Think high-end sports car winding through the gears on a twisting mountain road, and, well, you get the idea: Power on and knuckles white, but it was a ride you’d not want to miss.

Beneteau introduced the First range in 1977, with racing sailors in mind. Most recently, the French builder refreshed the line with several smaller, sporty models it acquired when it bought Seascape Yachts. The 53, though, is a whole new concept entirely. Luxury ­performance is how it’s put in the marketing material, and, in all honesty, that’s a pretty apt description.

Walking the docks at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, this past fall, the First 53’s plumb bow, slight reverse sheer, dark metallic hull, and broad deck and coach roof all covered in teak made it instantly stand out from the sea of white production cruisers. Even tied up, the boat looked ready to rip.

The First’s performance potential comes thanks to Biscontini Yacht Design and Roberto Biscontini, who earned his drawing creds over the course of two decades of America’s Cup campaigns. And the luxury? Well, Beneteau turned to Lorenzo Argento for deck and interior styling. Argento has been involved with a number of high-end projects, including Wally Yachts. Together, the pair created a vessel that’s easy to look at and riveting to sail.

A quick peak at the 53’s ­performance ratios, as well as a few other numbers, begins to tell the story. Its displacement-length ratio is a very sporty 118 (a fast-cruising X-Yacht clocks in at 161), while its sail area-displacement is a whopping 27.1—right on par with an all-out racer such as the Jeanneau Sunfast 3300’s SA/D of 27.6. And that’s for the standard First 53, which comes with an 8-foot-2-inch cast-iron T-keel and 85-foot aluminum mast. You can up the muscle power further by ordering the boat with a carbon-fiber rig that’s a full meter taller, and a 9-foot-10-inch performance T-keel with a lead bulb down deep, where it counts. Owners can choose sails of their liking, but Beneteau offers the 53 with a set from North Sails that includes North Panel Laminate main, 105 percent genoa and a code zero, so right out of the box, the boat’s regatta-ready.

On deck, the layout is at once simple, elegant and purposeful. All lines, including the double-ended mainsheet, run under panels back to twin helms, where controls for the electric below-deck jib furler, fold-down bow thruster, swim platform, house- and ­navigation-lighting systems, and matching sets of engine controls are mounted on pedestals, along with B&G plotters and instrument displays. Just forward of each wheel, a pair of Harken Performa electric winches sit adjacent to banks of line clutches.

The open transom is ­enclosed by lifelines, with a sturdy handhold on the centerline and solid stanchions and rails that curve around each quarter. With the boat heeling, these provide places for the crew to brace themselves if standing, or act as handholds when navigating the boat’s 16-plus-foot beam—a formidable amount of open space between steering stations.

Forward of the wheels, long cockpit seats await the crew. Each has its own teak table that does double duty as a sturdy place to grab if moving about. Beneteau has introduced a neat feature on this boat: The cockpit coamings drop to pass under the winches and past the wheels, giving crewmembers a place to sit when trimming, and the skipper a seat while steering. They don’t run all the way to the transom, though, which allows crew to pass behind either wheel and take an easy step up onto the deck when going forward. It was a detail I liked quite a bit, along with the 25-inch lifelines set atop 3-inch bulwarks all around.

Underway, I found that I had just about everything to maneuver the boat at my fingertips. As I said at the outset, conditions were light at first. In just under 5 knots of wind, we cranked along closehauled at nearly 6 knots. Later, with the breeze up to 15 or a little higher, the speedo hovered in the 8-to-9-knot range, and I saw 10 and a little more when we cracked off to a reach and unrolled the code zero.

My Beneteau-dealer shipmates suggested reefing the main at 13 to 14 knots. We didn’t, of course, and though we were overpowered a bit, judging by the angle of heel, the boat seemed to like it just fine, and so did we. And when it came time to tack, feathering up even a little quickly tamed things. There is no traveler available for the 53. Instead, the mainsheet runs through a centerline block mounted just forward of the wheels, the theory being that anyone paying in the $1.2 million ballpark for this size boat likely will spend more time cruising than racing.

Down below, Argento and Team Beneteau came up a refreshingly new approach to accommodations. White lacquered bulkheads and panels, coupled with a teak sole and molded wood furniture, kept the interior quite bright. In place of the traditional large dining area found in most boats these days, a well-equipped galley, complete with a home-size fridge, and a small dinette (expandable to seat six or so) took up the port side of the saloon. Opposite was a large L-shaped couch and small table for entertaining. Fiddles on counters and handholds were plentiful. And throughout the boat, lights and other electrical equipment were controlled by Beneteau’s proprietary Ship Control electrical system, which can be accessed using a smartphone.

The owner’s cabin was ­forward, and featured a split head and shower. Two more cabins were aft, with a shared head to starboard at the foot of the companionway. A three-cabin, three-head layout is also available, but it would cost you space in the galley.

The First 53’s hull and deck are cored and infused, with solid glass wherever hardware is mounted. An inner hull liner takes up loads from the mast, chainplates and engine. An 80 hp Yanmar diesel and saildrive come standard; the boat we tested was powered by the optional 110 Yanmar with shaft drive. Beneteau offers several other electronics and equipment packages as well.

If a boat is to be judged by how well it meets its design brief, the First Yacht 53 is already a winner. And did I mention? The sailing was out of this world.

Mark Pillsbury is CW ’s editor.

SPECIFICATIONS – Beneteau First Yacht 53

410-990-0270

beneteau.com

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Benjamin Beneteau, shipwright, founded the Beneteau boatyard at Croix-de-Vie, France to build sailing trawlers. In 1964 Annette Beneteau Roux and her brother, Andre, granddaughter and grandson to Benjamin, diversified the company with the introduction of fiberglass sailing yachts. With the introduction of the FLETAN and the GUPPY, Beneteau took part in the 1965 Paris Boat Show for the first time, establishing its reputation for building seaworthy pleasure craft. The FIRST 30, designed by Andre Mauric and introduced in 1976, was the beginning of Beneteau’s very successful First series. It was chosen Boat of the Year at the Paris Boat Show and also won the first leg of the Figaro Single-Handed Race. In response to its expanding North American market, Beneteau opened a production facility in Marion, South Carolina. Within four years, Beneteau became one of the top three sailboat manufacturers in America. ***(In order to simplify things, all the Beneteau models, for which we have adequate information, have been listed under the ‘Beneteau’ section. Beneteau’s were often given differEnt names depending on which part of the world they were sold (and/or built). This, in addition to boats that were sold directly to charter companies which also used their own names.) Today, (2016) Beneteau is largest builder of sailboats in the world.

Associations

• First 260 Spirit
• One Ton Class
• First 30 Association (FRA)
• TOUR DE FRANCE A LA VOILE
• Moorings Yacht Charter
• First 40.7 (Beneteau) - Chicago Fleet
• Half Ton Class
• Micro Class (IMCCA)
• IOR 3/4 ton
• Farr 30 Class Association
• Figaro II Class (Beneteau)
• First 36.7 Association

Beneteau First 235

• André Bénéteau
• Andre Mauric
• Berret-Racoupeau
• Farr Yacht Design
• Finot / Conq Assoc.
• German Frers
• Groupe Finot
• Groupe Finot/Jean Beret
• Group Finot
• Jacques Fauroux
• Jean Berret
• Jean Berret/ Philippe Starck
• Jean Berret/Phillippe Starck
• Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot)
• Juan Kouyoumdjian
• Marc Lombard
• Pascal Conq
• Philippe Briand
• Philippe Stark
• Phillipe Briand

216 sailboats built by Beneteau

Beneteau First 25

Beneteau First 18

Beneteau Oceanis 311

Beneteau First Class 8

First 30 (Beneteau - Mauric)

Beneteau california 550, beneteau oceanis 321.

Beneteau First 36.7

Beneteau First 22

Beneteau First 24

Beneteau First 28

Beneteau First 40.7

Beneteau First 29

Beneteau First 265

Beneteau First 260 Spirit

Beneteau First 310

Beneteau First 345

Beneteau First 35

Beneteau First 285

First 30 E (Beneteau - Berret)

Beneteau First 35S5

Beneteau Oceanis 400

Beneteau Oceanis 281

Beneteau Evasion 25

Beneteau Evasion 32

Beneteau Oceanis 300

Beneteau Baroudeur

Beneteau 50

Beneteau california 660.

Beneteau California 470

Beneteau Figaro Solo

Beneteau First Class 7

Beneteau First Class 10

Beneteau Oceanis 331

Beneteau Figaro II

Beneteau moorings 38.

Moorings 38-2

Beneteau First Class 12

Beneteau 1 Ton

Beneteau first ims 40.7.

Beneteau Oceanis 48

Beneteau Cyclades 50.5

Beneteau Oceanis 411

Beneteau Oceanis 31

Beneteau First 33.7

Moorings 402cc.

Beneteau First 325

Beneteau Evasion 22

Beneteau First 235 SK

Beneteau Oceanis 37

Moorings 505.

Beneteau First Class Europe

Beneteau First 51

Beneteau 49

Moorings 51

Beneteau first 32s5 wk.

Beneteau First 40

Beneteau Oceanis 45

Moorings 43.3

Beneteau oceanis 350 wk, moorings 332.

Beneteau Oceanis 430

Beneteau oceanis 35.

Beneteau First 42S7

Beneteau 46

Beneteau sense 55.

Beneteau First 35-2

Beneteau First 27

Beneteau sense 43.

Beneteau First Class 7.5

Moorings 432

Beneteau forban mkii.

Beneteau 423

Beneteau First 305

First 45 (Beneteau - Briand)

Beneteau Oceanis 361

Beneteau piranha 17, beneteau r/c 35.

Beneteau First 211

Beneteau 25 Platu

Beneteau Oceanis 34

Moorings 382.

Beneteau Idylle 8.80

Beneteau 361.

Beneteau Oceanis 55

Beneteau Oceanis 323

Beneteau Cyclades 51.5

Beneteau First 38

Beneteau oceanis 440.

Beneteau 373

Beneteau guppy.

Beneteau 43

Beneteau Oceanis 510

Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC

Beneteau First 25S

Beneteau Blue II

Moorings 37.2.

Beneteau Oceanis 54

Beneteau Idylle 1550

Beneteau 44 cc, beneteau oceanis clipper 523.

Beneteau Oceanis 320

Beneteau Oceanis 390

Beneteau 37

Beneteau First 300

Beneteau First 42

Beneteau Escapade

Beneteau Oceanis 41

Beneteau 343, beneteau cabochard.

Beneteau 393

Moorings 463, beneteau first 210, beneteau blue 41.

Beneteau Oceanis 58

Beneteau First 53F5

Beneteau Idylle 1150

Beneteau Capelan

Beneteau First 27.7

Beneteau Oceanis 42 CC

Beneteau First 435

Beneteau Oceanis 461

Beneteau First 26

Beneteau 34

Moorings 39, beneteau 36.7, beneteau 34.7, moorings 50.5, beneteau first 42sf.

Beneteau Evasion 36

Beneteau Oceanis 370

Moorings 500.

Beneteau 31

Beneteau Oceanis 50

Beneteau First 35S7

Beneteau First 31.7

Beneteau sense 57.

Beneteau 523

Beneteau Kerlouan

Beneteau Oceanis 38

Beneteau Oceanis 400 CC

Beneteau First 50

Beneteau First Class Challenge

Beneteau r/c 42.

Beneteau First 375

Beneteau Oceanis 351

Beneteau Sense 46

Beneteau Evasion 29

Beneteau Sense 50

Beneteau Oceanis 40

Beneteau oceanis 311 lktr.

Beneteau Oceanis 35.1

Beneteau First 38S5

Beneteau first 20.

Beneteau 461

Beneteau Oceanis 473

Beneteau 331

Beneteau 411, beneteau oceanis 523.

Beneteau Oceanis 343

Beneteau First 10R

Beneteau Oceanis 381

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

Beneteau Evasion 37

Moorings 51.5

Beneteau First 41S5

Beneteau 473

Beneteau First 45F5

Beneteau First 36S7

Beneteau 40

Beneteau Oceanis 352

Farr 30 (mumm 30).

Beneteau Oceanis 350

Beneteau First 47.7

Beneteau stardust 311.

Beneteau Evasion 28

Beneteau Oceanis 60

Beneteau First 44.7

Beneteau first 25.7.

Beneteau Cyclades 39.3

Beneteau oceanis 423.

Beneteau Idylle 1050

Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC

Beneteau Evasion 34

First 45 (Beneteau - Farr)

Beneteau Oceanis 46

Beneteau Oceanis 500

Beneteau oceanis 51.1.

Beneteau 57

Beneteau First 32S5

Beneteau oceanis 393, beneteau galion.

Beneteau 62

Beneteau First 25 SK

Beneteau First 32

Beneteau Idylle 1350

Beneteau 323

Beneteau Forban MKI

Beneteau First 405

Beneteau First 456

Beneteau fletan, beneteau first 47.7 race, beneteau stardust 433.

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62

Moorings 41.3, moorings 362-3.

Beneteau 311

First 30 (Beneteau - Juan K.)

Beneteau cyclades 43.3, beneteau first 35.7, beneteau sense 51, beneteau first 21.7, first 30 es (beneteau - berret).

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Beneteau sailboats: all you need to know.

The name Beneteau is well-known in yachting circles, as this French boating company was founded in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau, and today, the holding company of Beneteau Holdings actually owns Jeanneau and Lagoon Catamarans. The company has production facilities in France and the US and over the years, Beneteau have come up with some stunning boat designs, which we will look at in this article.

The Oceanis Series

First launched in 1985, the Oceanis Series starts at 31ft, while the flagship of the range is a 62ft ocean going yacht, with 6 models in between the smallest and largest. Designed by none other than Phillipe Briand, with Jean-Marie Finot the other noted designer that created this amazing ocean-going line of yachts. Whether you want a new or pre-owned Beneteau , an online search will take you to a reputable yacht broker, where you can view details about many Beneteau yachts they have on offer. If you are an intermediate sailor, one of the Oceanis models would be ideal, and the vessels are fast and very comfortable for sailing and cruising alike.

The Oceanis Yacht Series

Very much the flagship of the Oceanis design are the two Oceanis Yacht models, one is 54ft, while the other is slightly larger at 62ft. Luxury is the name of the game with this unique ocean-going yacht that can race with the best. There are both new and pre-owned Oceanis Yachts available, and if you talk to an established yacht broker, they would likely have a few second-hand Oceanis Yacht models for sale, plus they can help you if you prefer a new boat. Here are a few yacht maintenance tips that might help you in the future.

The First Series

Designed with yacht racing in mind, the First Series arrived in 1978, with a 22ft and a 27ft boat designed by Groupe Finot, and we are now into the 7 th generation of the First Series, which is a racing style yacht that is equipped for comfortable cruising. The First 14 is the ideal vessel for an absolute beginner, and as you develop your boating skills, you can move up a larger boat, with models of 14,18, 24, 27 and 53ft. The smaller boats are very affordable and great for a family outing, and if you search online for a yacht broker, they would have a few First Series vessels for sale, both new and pre-owned. The Yacht Safety Bureau offers a lot of interesting information about yachting and safe practices.

The Figaro Beneteau 3

This is a very new design that has a keel, and this model was designed by Van Peteghem and Lauriot Prévost, which has completed its sea trials and will shortly be going into production.

The Beneteau vessels have a reputation for the best quality, with attention to detail and sleek lines, these boats are generally regarded as being among the best in the world. There are literally thousands of proud Beneteau owners around the world who regularly sail their vessel

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Beneteau Vs Catalina: 5 Differences You Should Know

Comparing sailboats is a bit like comparing apples and pears – no two boats are alike.

However, Beneteau and Catalina are both production boats with a long tradition of boat-building history. They both produce durable sailboats, easy to operate, comfortable, and great value for money.

While both brands have certain traits that are comparable, there are also differences you should know:

Table of Contents

Beneteau & Catalina – A Brief History

Beneteau can trace its origins back to 1884 when its founder, Benjamin Beneteau, started building wooden sailing fishing boats.

However, it wasn’t until 1964, when a new generation of Beneteau’s took over, that they designed and manufactured their first recreational fiberglass sailboat.

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength with its innovative designs. Today the company is synonymous with French boat building and produces a range of fiberglass sailboats from 14 to 60 feet.

Beneteau is one of the oldest and biggest boat builders in the world and is still majority-owned by the family.

By comparison, Catalina Yachts was founded by Frank Butler in 1969. The company started with nothing but a vision to build good family sailboats that were affordable.

Their first boat, the Catalina 22, proved to be a huge success, and they have gone on to design and build three different lines, the Sport series, the Cruiser series, and the very capable Ocean series ranging in size from 8 to 44 feet.

Today, Catalina Yachts is one of the USA’s only companies left building sailboats. The company is considered one of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturers, with over 80,000 boats manufactured.

5 Differences Between Beneteau & Catalina Yachts

While both companies can trace their origins in building fiberglass leisure yachts to the 1960s, there are notable differences between the two brands.

These include the following:

1. Modern Hull Design Vs. Traditional Lines

While Beneteau has fully embraced a modern approach to the styling and design of their boats, Catalina has taken a more traditional approach. That’s not to say the modern design styling is better than the other – every sailor will have their personal preference, plus there is plenty of room in the ocean for all kinds of boats.

Beneteau’s designs are light, modern, and very spacious. They are recognized in any marina for having sleek lines.

In addition, Beneteau constantly strives to improve their models and has updated even their old classic and first hugely popular model, the Beneteau Oceanis 350. The Oceanis range is in its 7th generation and is known for its modern, uncluttered, chic design.

Catalina’s designs and marketing are geared to a certain market segment, which is more traditional by nature. But they are doing so with a great deal of success.

Some people may think that their designs are uninspired or boring, but they are inspired by a market segment that has made them arguably one of the most successful boatbuilders in the US.

2. Hull Lay-Up & Construction

Both Beneteau and Catalina have a good reputation for building quality production boats that stand up to the test of time.

They are capable boat yards with a long history of manufacturing fiberglass boats. However, there are some slight differences between the companies regarding their hull lay-up and construction techniques.

Both companies use only the best materials available. However, Catalina lays up solid fiberglass hulls while Beneteau uses a balsa core for their hulls.

Beneteau uses three construction methods for building their boat hulls and decks: hand lay-up, resin infusion, and injection modeling. But all of them combine resin with a balsa core. This balsa core reduces costs by reducing the quantity of resin used in each hull while maintaining structural strength and integrity.

In addition, you end up with a lighter boat by combining a balsa core with resin.

The Catalina hull is a one-piece solid fiberglass hull laid up by hand. The outside layer of the fiberglass hull is then laminated with a Vinylester resin to protect the hull from water absorption and prevent blistering or osmosis.

The grid and deck are also all one-piece fiberglasses, making for a stronger hull and a heavier boat than the Beneteau.

3. Engine Propulsion

While the two brands we are discussing are primarily sailboats, they need engine propulsion to get you in and out of your dock or cruise along if there is no wind.

The main engines installed in Catalina sailboats are usually larger than those found in similar boats from other builders, including Beneteau. The engine will not have to “work as hard” to move the boat at cruising speeds.

They should have plenty of reserve power if you find yourself in bad conditions.

For example, the engine installed in a new Catalina 355 is a 29hp Yanmar diesel engine as standard. By comparison, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 comes standard with a 21hp Yanmar diesel engine, with the option to upgrade to a 29hp Yanmar, which will set you back extra!

4. Sail Plans, Deck Gear & Ease Of Handling?

Both Beneteau and Catalina are designed and built with safety and ease of sailing. However, Catalina often has the more conservative rig of the two brands, with lower mast heights and smaller sail plans than their Beneteau counterparts.

Both brands have more traditional stayed rigs, where the Beneteau’s shrouds terminate and are fixed to the deck, and the Catalina’s are on the cabin top.

Mainsail sheets and controls on the Beneteau and Catalina are forward of the companionway. Few cruisers want this hardware to interfere with passengers or guests on board.

However, both are equipped with a solid vang, which improves overall mainsail shape and performance.

Catalina wins the winch competition by installing four Lewmar self-tailing winches as standard equipment on their 355. In comparison, the Beneteau 34.1 comes with one self-tailing winch to port on the roof with the option to add more.

Overall, they are both built with ease of sailing, but as the Beneteau is lighter and has a more aggressive sail plan, you will probably manage to go faster in a Beneteau.

5. Sizes And Models Available

While both Beneteau and Catalina have comparable models, they also have very different size yachts and a variety of price tags. If you compare or choose between the two, you will be wise to familiarise yourself with what they offer.

Being the bigger manufacturer, Beneteau can boast of 5 lines available today.

• The First series – a range of yachts from 14 to 44 feet- can celebrate more than 40 years of iconic brand history. The First series is designed for sailors who enjoy club racing as much as cruising. These boats offer simplicity and performance combined with comfortable interiors and cockpits geared towards club racing, daysailing, and coastal cruising.
• The First SE series – the SE (Seascape Edition) range offers recreational sailors a bit more challenge by combining competitive one-design racing with adventure sailing. Fitted with a carbon rig, laminate sails, and other technological features, the First SE series promises to give sailors the ultimate sailing experience. The First SE series offers boats from 14 to 27 feet.
• The First Yacht 53 – maximizing over 40 years of experience in the boat-building industry, the First Yacht 53 is the latest addition to the First range. This luxury performance 53-foot sailing yacht is designed for sailors who demand speed in absolute comfort.
• The Oceanis range – includes yachts from 31 to 51 feet in length. The Oceanis range has become a leading brand in long-distance cruising and blue water boats. They are built with safety and stability without sacrificing style and comfort.
• The Oceanis Yacht line – is the epitome of style and comfort at sea. These two yachts, at 54 and 60 feet in length, represent elegance and sophistication without sacrificing performance, comfort, or the general practicalities of sailing.

Catalina, the smaller of these two giants in the sailing world, concentrates their skills and expertise on 3 lines available today.

• The Catalina Sport Series ranges from 12.5 to 27.5 feet long. The Sport series is fun to sail when you don’t want the complications of a bigger boat but still want to get on the water. They are easy to rig and exciting to sail, plus some of the bigger models even have enough accommodation to overnight or spend the weekend.
• The Catalina Cruiser Series – offers two models, the Catalina 315 and the Catalina 355. These two mid-size yachts are extremely capable and quick boats that do not sacrifice safety or comfort. They are perfect for day or extended sailing trips along the coast.
• The Catalina Ocean Series – from 38 to 44 feet- is designed for serious ocean-going cruising. Although this line features new and contemporary designs, they are still built to uphold the Catalina traditions of quality and functionality.

Final Thoughts

There is no right or wrong boat between the two brands. Beneteau and Catalina have fans and detractors if you check the various boating, sailing, and cruising forums.

If you are having trouble choosing between the two, it would be best to book a charter and spend some time on each boat.

That way, you can choose which layout and price tag work best.

References:

Beneteau Yachts

Catalina Yachts

Three Big-Three 30s – The Beneteau 311, Catalina 310, and Hunter 326

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• Oceanis 30.1
• Oceanis 34.1

Oceanis 37.1

• Oceanis 40.1
• Oceanis 46.1
• Oceanis 51.1
• Oceanis Yacht 54
• Oceanis Yacht 60
• FIGARO BENETEAU 3
• Heritage sailing yacht
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• FLYER 6 SPACEdeck
• Flyer 7 SUNdeck
• Flyer 7 SPACEdeck

Flyer 8 SUNdeck

Flyer 8 spacedeck.

• Flyer 9 SUNdeck
• Flyer 9 SPACEdeck
• Antares 7 Fishing
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• Gran Turismo 32
• Gran Turismo 36
• Gran Turismo 41
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BENETEAU - Designed to be remarkable

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Discover the latest BENETEAU sailing yachts and motorboats.

Making a successful boat purchase means planning ahead and being well prepared. BENETEAU has an extensive range of useful tools that will help you focus your searches and define your project. From the initial introduction up to one-to-one contact with a Beneteau brand dealer, take a few minutes to find the boat that suits you best and, why not, book a sea trial! 

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Offer valid on Oceanis 30.1, Oceanis 34.1 and Oceanis 37.1 models

Until 31 May 2024

Enjoy the Lounge trim for the same price as the Essential trim

Offer valid on Oceanis 46.1 and Oceanis 51.1 models

Sailing yachts

Yachts & motorboats

BENETEAU has been building sailing yachts and  motorboats  for all types of boating practices since 1884. Would you like to  buy a new boat ? Leisure boating, short trips, cruising, competitive sailing – whatever type of sailing you envisage, there is a boat to suit you at your local BENETEAU  boat dealer .

BENETEAU: A LONG STORY THAT BEGAN IN VENDÉE 

The story of BENETEAU began in 1884 in the shipyards of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in Vendée, inspired by Benjamin Bénéteau.  At the time, BENETEAU had close ties with the fishing industry and, at the start of the 20th century, the brand launched its first sailing trawlers and motor tuna fishing boats. 

In the 1960s BENETEAU turned towards the building of recreational craft. In making this choice, BENETEAU actively focussed on  sailing yachts  and motorboats . 

In the 1990s, BENETEAU expanded becoming the umbrella brand of GROUPE BENETEAU. 

WIDE RANGE OF SAILING YACHTS AND MOTORBOATS 

Today, BENETEAU offers a wide range of sailing yachts, ranging from small boats, like the First 14, to big boats, such as the Oceanis Yacht 62, a large monohull as well suited to coastal cruising as she is to ocean navigation. The same is true of the motorboats, with lines of outboard and inboard motorboats for leisure boating, as well as big yachts ideal for cruising. 

This versatility contributed to BENETEAU’s international reputation as a brand, both in the water and at the major boat shows in Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific. It also helped BENETEAU become a historical player in offshore racing, supplying three generations of one-design boats for the Solitaire Le Figaro single-handed race. BENETEAU also won renown with the First sailing yachts in well-known international races such as the Fastnet, the Sydney Hobart and the Middle Sea Race. 

MORE THAN A BOAT DEALER 

Our BENETEAU boat dealers are also present on international shores, so our after sales service can intervene worldwide. Thanks to our global network a BENETEAU boater can find the best possible assistance wherever he is boating. 

Buying a yacht, sailing yacht or a BENETEAU outboard motorboat is also a chance to join the brand’s community, with BENETEAU boat owner gatherings or rendez-vous, regattas, competitions, rallies, etc. 

You will have realized by now that BENETEAU offers you much more than buying a  new boat . It offers you a real boating experience and shares with you your passion for the sea.

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