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Beneteau 40.1 Vs Jeanneau 410

Beneteau 40.1 Vs Jeanneau 410 (4 Revealing Facts)

When it comes to choosing a sailboat, knowing which one to select can be quite a challenge. The Beneteau 40.1 and Jeanneau 410 are both popular models in the sailing world that offer their own unique features.

To make an educated decision, it is important to understand the differences between these two boats by looking at various aspects such as features, building materials, interior layout, and more.

This article will explore the similarities and differences between the Beneteau 40.1 and Jeanneau 410 in order to help you decide which boat is right for you.

Table of Contents

Beneteau 40.1 Vs Jeanneau 410: Which is Better?

It can be difficult to decide between two popular brands Beneteau and Jeanneau. Both offer a wide range of sailboats that are suited for different purposes.

In order to help you make a decision, we’ve put together a comparison of the two brands. Beneteau is a French company that has been building sailboats since 1884.

They have a wide range of boats, from small dinghies to large yachts. Jeanneau is also a French company, but they specialize in building racing sailboats.

They have won many prestigious races, including America’s Cup and the Vendee Globe.

When it comes to building quality, both companies are known for making sturdy boats. However, Jeanneau is often considered to have the edge in this area. Their boats are known for being particularly well-built and fast.

In terms of price, Jeanneau sailboats are generally more expensive than their Beneteau counterparts. This is because Jeanneau focuses on making racing boats, which tend to be more expensive than leisure boats.

However, both companies offer a wide range of sailboats at different price points, so it is possible to find a boat that fits your budget.

When choosing between Beneteau and Jeanneau, it is important to consider your needs and what you want from your sailboat.

If you are looking for a leisure boat that is comfortable and easy to use, then Beneteau would be a good choice.

Beneteau Vs Jeanneau Overall Built Quality

When it comes to overall built quality, there are a few key areas where Beneteau and Jeanneau differ. Beneteau uses more expensive materials in its hulls and decking, which results in a higher-quality finished product.

Jeanneau on the other hand focuses on producing vessels that offer more value for money by using less expensive materials though this does result in a slightly lower quality product overall.

In terms of hull construction, Beneteau utilizes a process known as ‘multi-axial glass matting’, which gives their hulls greater strength and durability.

Jeanneau meanwhile uses a cheaper ‘chopped strand’ method of construction. This means that while Jeanneau hulls may be lighter and easier to produce, they’re not as strong or long-lasting as those from Beneteau.

In terms of decking, Beneteau again utilizes superior materials and construction methods. Their decks are made using marine-grade plywood that is then sheathed in fibreglass.

This gives the decks a high level of strength and durability, while also making them impervious to water damage.

Jeanneau, on the other hand, uses cheaper marine-grade plywood that is only covered in fibreglass in areas where it is absolutely necessary.

This means that their decks are more prone to water damage and are not as strong as those from Beneteau.

Finally, in terms of finishings, Beneteau yachts have a much higher standard of fit and finish than Jeanneau yachts.

This is due to the fact that Beneteau utilizes a higher quality of materials and construction methods, resulting in a yacht that looks and feels more luxurious.

Overall, it is clear that Beneteau yachts are superior in terms of overall built quality when compared to Jeanneau yachts.

This is evident in their hull construction, decking, and finishings, all of which are significantly better on Beneteau yachts.

As such, if you are looking for a high-quality yacht that will stand the test of time, then a Beneteau should be your first choice.

Beneteau offers a 3-year warranty on the hull and deck, while Jeanneau only offers a 2-year warranty. When it comes to engines, Beneteau offers a 5-year warranty, while Jeanneau only offers a 2-year warranty.

So when it comes to warranties, Beneteau is the clear winner. Extended warranties are available from both manufacturers, but they come at an additional cost.

Beneteau’s extended warranty is called “BeneProtect,” and it covers the hull and deck for an additional 2 years, for a total of 5 years.

Jeanneau’s extended warranty is called “Jeanneau Assurance,” and it covers the hull and deck for an additional 3 years, for a total of 5 years. So when it comes to extended warranties, Jeanneau is the clear winner.

It’s important to note that while Beneteau offers a longer warranty on hull and deck, Jeanneau’s extended warranty offers better coverage. So if you’re looking for the best possible coverage, Jeanneau is the way to go.

When it comes to engine warranties, both manufacturers offer extended warranties that cover the engine for an additional 3 years, for a total of 5 years. So when it comes to engine warranties, there is no clear winner.

In conclusion, when it comes to warranties, Beneteau offers a longer initial warranty on the hull and deck, while Jeanneau’s extended warranty offers better coverage.

Architects and Designers

There are a few key differences between Beneteau and Jeanneau when it comes to their architects and designers.

Beneteau has always had in-house architects and designers, while Jeanneau has worked with outside firms.

The result is that Beneteau yachts have a more consistent look and feel, while Jeanneau yachts can vary quite a bit in terms of style.

Beneteau also tends to be more innovative when it comes to design, often incorporating new features and technologies into their yachts before other builders do.

This can lead to some teething problems as these new features are ironed out, but it also means that Beneteau yachts are often at the cutting edge of yacht design.

Jeanneau, on the other hand, takes a more traditional approach to design and focuses on tried-and-true methods and materials.

This can lead to yachts that are not as cutting-edge as those from Beneteau, but it also means that they are usually more reliable.

In terms of individual architects and designers, Beneteau has worked with some very big names over the years, including Andre Peter (Oceania), German Frers (Oceanis), Daniel Andrieu (Flyer), and Pascal Conq (Gran Turismo).

Jeanneau has also worked with some well-known names, including Philippe Briand (Sun Odyssey) and Vittorio Garroni (Merry Fisher).

So, when it comes to choosing between a Beneteau and a Jeanneau, it really depends on what you are looking for.

If you want something that is cutting-edge and innovative, then Beneteau is probably the way to go. But if you prefer something that is more reliable and traditional , then Jeanneau might be a better choice.

Beneteau and Jeanneau are two of the most popular brands in the sailing world. Both companies have a long history of building high-quality boats that are known for their performance, comfort, and style.

So, which brand is right for you?

Here’s a look at some of the key differences between Beneteau and Jeanneau:

Beneteau has been manufacturing sailboats since 1884. The company is headquartered in France and has a global network of dealerships and service centres. Jeanneau was founded in 1957 and is also based in France.

Both Beneteau and Jeanneau offer a wide range of boat models to suit different budgets and needs. However, Beneteau has a slightly larger selection, with over 60 models to choose from. Jeanneau has around 50 models in their range.

Beneteau boats are known for their good value for money. They often offer more features and amenities than similar boats from other brands, without costing any more.

Jeanneau boats also offer good value, but they tend to be slightly more expensive than Beneteau boats of the same size and style.

When it comes to performance, both Beneteau and Jeanneau offer excellent sailing qualities. However, Beneteau’s racing pedigree means that their boats are often favoured by competitive sailors.

Jeanneau’s boats are more focused on cruising and leisure sailing . Both Beneteau and Jeanneau produce high-quality boats that will provide years of enjoyment on the water.

Ultimately, the best boat for you will come down to your personal preferences and budget.

Building Materials

There are a few key differences between Beneteau and Jeanneau when it comes to building materials.

Beneteau uses a higher percentage of fiberglass in their hulls, while Jeanneau relies more on polyester resin.

This gives each boat a different feel on the water Beneteau boats are generally smoother and faster, while Jeanneau boats have more “stiffness” and better handling in choppy conditions.

Both companies use marine-grade plywood for the bulkheads and cabinetry, but Beneteau uses higher-quality plywood that is less likely to warp or delaminate over time.

Jeanneau also offers the option of using an aluminium hull liner, which adds rigidity but can make the boat more difficult to repair if damaged.

When it comes to sails, both Beneteau and Jeanneau offer high-quality options. However, Beneteau’s sails are generally made from higher-quality materials and are better constructed, meaning they will last longer and perform better over time.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both Beneteau and Jeanneau have a lot to offer. It really comes down to what you are looking for and what your budget is.

If you are looking for a luxurious and feature-rich boat, then Beneteau is the way to go. If you are looking for a more affordable option that is still high quality, then Jeanneau is a great choice.

Whichever route you decide to go, you can’t go wrong with either of these brands.

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Beneteau 393

The new 393 benefits from big-company protocols in the production process. The basic design is nothing radical, but the layout and details incorporate a lot of owner feedback.

Beneteau is one of the few builders (along with perhaps Catalina, Hunter, and its own corporate cousin, Jeanneau) whose volume of production can generate significant “economies of scale.” Boatbuilding is not, of course, like automobile building or most other assembly-line processes. Boats and the way that they go together are complex; there’s more to launching a successful sailboat than buying parts in quantity and piecing them together. Nevertheless, when you look at a new boat like Beneteau’s recently introduced 393 you can see how the size, reach, and clout of the parent company can pay off.

Our review of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 two months ago made the same point: Big, established, boatbuilders with meticulously organized production systems can afford to work out the kinks without passing along too many of the costs to buyers. They have a system, and it works.

Beneteau 393

Founded in 1884, Beneteau originally built fishing boats for the Bay of Biscay. Still a family-run concern, it turned to yachts and has built sailboats throughout most of the 20th century. For more than a decade now it has been building boats onboth sides of the Atlantic. (There’s a large facility in Marion, SC.)

Without doubt, the biggest recent company move was the acquisition of French rival Jeanneau. Though the two builders continue to offer separate lines, taken together they produce more auxiliary sailboats than anyone else in the world. Thus one of the benefits of “economies of scale”-the Beneteau/Jeanneau combination can drive a pretty good bargain on materials, hardware, sails, and so on.

All of which is a simple (and simplistic) explanation of why Beneteau can sell an attractive, commodious new cruiser like the 393 for a base price of under $140,000. Even then, it’s not like Henry Ford’s color option list for the Model T (you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was black): While the 393’s styling, playpen cockpit, and most of the standard parts can’t be customized on a whim, there are a couple of choices in accommodations that will extend the range of the boat’s appeal considerably.

Getting back to being big… Beneteau is in a unique position (selling to a worldwide market, supplying boats to dozens of charter companies, and introducing new models at a pace virtually unequalled in the industry) to collect feedback. The company has maintained its popularity by paying close attention to what customers want. As with politicians and constituents in a democracy, this can be good and bad.

According to Wayne Burdick, President of Beneteau USA, there have been 72 copies of the 393 ordered since the boat was introduced just last year. Volume like that means commissions, and commissions make naval architects happy. That makes working with Beneteau hard to resist. The designers who have done so are distinguished-the Groupe Finot and Bruce Farr notable among them. Since the late ’80s, however, the most influential designers in the Beneteau camp have been Jean Berret and his partner, Olivier Racoupeau. The two have had a lot to do with the establish-ment of the First (racer/cruiser) line. These “dual purpose” boats have been notably popular. Both designers have superb credentials in the grand prix arena. Berret, for instance, designed the Beneteau One Ton that won the Admiral’s Cup in 1987 and virtually got Beneteau into the racing game.

Throughout the ’90s Beneteau has also sold cruisers-the Oceanis line.These have no racing pretensions.

Rather they emphasize “being in touch with the sea.” They have been the leaders in evolving the molded, sleek, straight-sheer look that we’ve come to call “Euro.” They are remarkable, too, for their light, room, space, and comfort. When swim platforms were new, they had open transoms complete with outdoor showers. Says Wayne Burdick, “When you think of the dark, deep, dank caves that we used to cruise in and look at how open, light, and bright boats are today, you have to credit a lot of that change to the Oceanis line.”

As new models have come on line, Beneteau has sought to improve their performance. As finkeeled/balanced rudder boats the Oceani are lively in maneuvering and can record good passage times. However, acceleration, sail-carrying power, and weatherliness have not generally been their strongpoints.

Masters of working within rating rules, of wringing speed from compromises and limitations, Berret and Racoupeau have consistently whittled away in hopes of making each new Oceanis a better performer.

Accommodations

First and foremost, the 393 is roomy. You can’t help but notice the legroom, elbow room, generous seat backs, and open space in the cockpit. The walk-through coaming aft creates a good combination of openness and security. While the well is a bit too wide to brace across (and only one of the three cockpit table versions offered provides a footbrace) it’s hard to find any other quibble- sight lines are good, protection is stout, surfaces are contoured for comfort, and space is carved out around the winches to let you work them efficiently. It’s a big, comfortable, efficient, livable, modern cockpit. (If someone could figure out how to make mainsheet and traveller controls operable by the helmsman, though, it would make shorthanded sailing more realistic.)

She’s also roomy below. Headroom in the after part of the saloon approaches 6′ 6″. Light adds to the open feel, thanks mostly to the three overhead deck-windows (which come with sunshades).

Beneteau 393 Cabin Layout

There are two different interior configurations, a two-cabin version that accentuates privacy and yields a deep cockpit locker; and a three cabin version that offers two quarter cabins aft. The two-cabin layout has the galley in a traditional portside nook next to the companionway, with a settee to starboard opposite the dining area; the tri-cabin set-up removes the facing settee and puts the galley there in a linear arrangement with an array of finished cabinets and drawer stowage. “More and more people want more and more stowage,” says Burdick, “so we’re giving it to them.”

There are advantages and disadvantages to both arrangements. In most cases we’d counsel the sacrifice of bunks in order to make room for more “working” areas. In this case, though, the trade-offs are too close to call. The tri-cabin version has a dedicated nav station where the two-cabin version has none. It has an extra hanging locker to port, but lacks the good cockpit locker. The linear galley seems to us more intrusive, less convivial, and less safe in a seaway than the U-shaped version. That layout also suffers from a lack of support for moving around below in a seaway; the more traditional layout is “narrower” and would offer better security. Maybe the cabin choice depends on how many kids or friends you sail with, or whether you own a charter company.

Beneteau has always done a good job with interior wood. Far from seeming “knocked off” or mass produced, the furniture, cabinetry, and trim of the 393 live up to custom standards of fit, precision, and harmony. That’s because the company has purchased wood widely (and wisely) and because its wood shop is a two-acre masterpiece of computer controlled milling, routing, spraying, and fitting. Aside from the somewhat unsettling impression of living inside a grand piano instead of a boat, the result is impeccable.

The 393 offers a great deal of light and air. The decklights are the biggest light source, but the boat has six house ports, six hull ports, and seven overhead hatches, plus two cockpit ports. There’s plenty of cross ventilation to make forecabins and quartercabins habitable.

The 393’s nav station (in the three cabin layout) is big and well-designed for comfort. There’s an argument that with so much navigating being done in the cockpit these days, especially on shorthanded boats, the need for a good nav table is diminished, but we don’t think so. It may not need to be big enough to spread out a full-sized chart, but a cruising sailor still needs a desk, even if its just a surface for a notebook computer.

Beneteau 393

Hanging lockers are bigger and better (cedar-lined) than average, and there are even a few drawers. The overhead (an amalgam of some fiberglass, some fabric, and some wood) is attractive and (albeit with difficulty) removable. “Condensation is never a problem with our boats,” Burdick says. After sailing one dry through a drippy week in Ireland we can agree.

Access to the 40-hp Westerbeke diesel is superb. From beneath the companionway or via either quarter cabin you can attack it all. Foam insulation is a cut above industry standards and the faint humming of the monster below while we were underway suggested that it has been deployed well. Tankage (35 gallons fuel and 130 gallons water) doesn’t encourage world-girdling, but it’s substantial for a boat like this one.

A shallow bilge is an unfortunate by-product of a relatively flat-bottomed design. This one at least has a deep sump that should keep water from sloshing into vital areas below.

The galley is a modern marvel, with good handholds, safety bar, ventilated cabinet fronts, pot stowage, garbage cuddy, and a standard two-burner propane range/oven.

Construction

Beneteau has been building boats of solid glass reinforced with a fiberglass structural grid for at least 20 years. The method has been refined in light of material changes and streamlined in places for better efficiencies, but it remains essentially the same process that has yielded every First, Oceanis, and (now that the company has reverted simply to its own name to designate its boats) modern Beneteau.

These boats are clearly and cleverly “designed to be built,” using the minimum possible time and labor. As we’ve pointed out, in a production process this big and efficient, those can be considered good qualities. You might question the weight, quality, and composition of the hull laminate. You might theorize that there’s a weak point at the bond between hull and liner. You might focus on the fact that all-around taping of structural bulkheads demands excellent quality control. You might want a simpler, more-robust anchor for the 393’s chainplates. But at every turn your analysis butts up against the intended uses of the boat, which in this case should mean extended coastal cruising, and the enviable track record of durability racked up by hundreds of its cousins in the charter trade.

The hull/deck joint is an example of the sort of technique that is quick but not necessarily dirty. An inward turning flange receives the deck. Bedded on a rim of “5200-like” sealant, the deck (balsa-cored except where it receives hardware, and along its outer rim) is bolted through the flange in the area of chocks, stanchions, and cleats. Then machine screws on 6-inch centers tack down the remainder. The joint’s integrity is ensured by “chemical bond, plus mechanical, plus efficiency in meeting shear loads,” says Burdick.

While lead is the ballast of choice throughout most of the industry, Beneteau generally uses cast iron, as they do on this boat. Lead is denser by far than iron, and so will make for a much heavier keel in the same area and volume (or can be smaller to achieve similar weight). Lead, however, will also cost almost twice as much.

While economy may be Beneteau’s main reason for using iron keels, Burdick points to another advantage: “The keel root [where fin meets hull] is a significant source of turbulence. You reduce that drag by making the foil as thin as possible at that point. That’s much easier to do with cast iron.”

In any case, for obvious reasons, coverings and coatings on iron keels must be scrupulously maintained to make sure the ferrous metal never meets the watery medium directly.

Like the iron-keeled Oceanis line that have come before, the 393 depends less on ballast (at a minimal ballast/displacement ratio of 31 percent) than on shape (with a substantial 13′ 1″ beam) for stability. Were she to sport a similarly sized fin made of lead, it would lower hercenter of gravity (a positive move in terms of stability), but it would make her an appreciably heavier, costlier boat, with a “dead weight” liability to overcome in her performance.

Also, were Berret and Racoupeau to pare down the size of her keel by using lead, it would diminish lateral plane and hurt upwind performance.

Her mast is deck-stepped. Here, we believe, the company probably listened too closely to people who said they didn’t want a hole in the roof and a tree trunk in the saloon. The interior compression post is pretty, and the weldment at the top that accepts though-bolts to fasten on deck hardware is clever-but we think a boat this size should have a keel-stepped mast. As it is, the rig requires a babystay to help it stay in column.

Beneath the grid the keel is affixed (sealant and machined-in bolts) in a leakproof but removable bond.

Performance

To date the Oceanis performance evolution has been pretty straightforward. Each new boat has been (relatively speaking) a bit lighter, and each new sailplan has been proportionally larger. Thus horsepower to weight (sail area/displacement) characteristics, the “muscles” of performance under sail, have been groomed and refined over the years. ”

The 393 replaced the Oceanis 381,” says Burdick, “and you can note the same sort of improvement [from a SA/D of 14.45 to a more robust 16]. But these numbers aren’t all there is to performance. The 393 was given a substantially longer waterline [35′ 1″ as opposed to 32′ 10″]. That provides a more open ended speed potential that can boost passage times. Those are the numbers that sailors can really appreciate.”

Berret and Racoupeau have made some other changes. The 393 is very beamy for her size. The 381 was a beamy 12′ 11″ wide; the 393 pushes that out to 13′ 1″. Taking a page from today’s long-distance racers, the designers have made their own modest foray into the area of “beam for speed.” The 393 certainly benefits from her above-average volume when it comes to accommodations and payload, but hers is also a shape designed to enhance performance rather than weigh it down. The initial stability that she achieves via beam means that she needs less ballast. Her powerful after sections permit faired waterlines and flattened buttocks that minimize wavemaking turbulence. By easing the turn of the bilge her designers gave her semi-circular sectional shapes that cut down on parasitic drag (and improve light-air performance).

LOA: 39′ 3″

LWL: 35′ 1″

Beam: 13′ 1″

Draft (standard) 5′ 1″

Draft (deep keel) 6′ 3″

Displacement: 17,152 lbs.

Ballast: 5,357 lbs.

Fuel: 35 gallons

Water: 131 gallons

SA: 643 sq. ft.

D/L ratio: 178

SA/D ratio: 16.0

Auxiliary: 40-hp Westerbeke

The proof is in the pudding. On a sail after the Newport Boat Show last fall, Wayne Burdick offered us the wheel and we sailed close-hauled into a 12-knot southeaster heading past Ft. Adams toward open water. We noted that she seemed at least as close-winded as the boats around us. Pinching her up to around 30 degrees apparent wind angle caused her to skate off to leeward, but when we sailed full and by (at something closer to 40 degrees) she was a different boat-balanced and weatherly. We doubted that punching through chop would be a strongpoint, but in this relatively protected water the 393 went upwind with power and efficiency. Her balanced spade rudder made tacking (consistently inside 85 degrees) a pleasure. When we cracked off to test her stability it was remarkably hard to get the foils to ventilate. The steering control created by her powerful after sections and deep rudder was excellent.

Reaching and running are what the 393 was made for. A conventional poled spinnaker would add cruising versatility and the standard mastfurling mainsail lacks the effective area of a conventional main (now offered as the optional “classic”), but these quarrels have more to do with the modern cruiser in general than with the 393 specifically.

Conclusions

For cruising in comfort and sailing with ease it’s hard to top modern designs like the 393. Openness, creature comfort, and smooth-running systems put boats like these well ahead of the “narrow, dark, cavelike” designs of just a few years ago. However, if your need is to claw off a lee shore in a gale, to go where the waves are bigger than you are, or to cast off with “anything goes” readiness, these new coastal cruising designs aren’t as good as the old.

That’s not to say that the 393 can’t go far afield, but if we were doing it, we’d choose the deep-keel option for better lift, the “classic” mainsail arrangement-and we’d dote on the rig and all its terminals.

Beneteau has harnessed its design and purchasing resources to produce a boat that combines performance and comfort in an attractive package. Designed in large part according to the demands of customers to fit the cruising that they actually do, it’s a triumph of stowage, light, air, and space, and is gratifying to sail.

Despite focus groups and styling details, despite corporate bigness, and the difficulties inherent in making a good thing better, it seems to us that the company has again brought an honest boat to market.

Beneteau USA, 24 North Market

St., Suite 201, Charleston, SC

29401; 843/805-5000.

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Very informative work that addressed many of the questions I had about Beneteau and this model specifically. Well done

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Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 boat test – the next big thing for the world’s biggest builder?

  • Toby Hodges
  • March 21, 2019

Beneteau’s new stepped hull design works so well this Oceanis 46.1 could become its most popular model ever

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Photos: Guido Barbagelata / Bertel Kolthof / Guido Cantini (seesea.com)

After upgrading the status of the ominous black clouds ahead from threatening-looking to really quite alarming, we turned to head back downwind… and hoisted even more sail. Boom! As gusts in the high 20s started barrelling through, this yacht really put on a show. Reaching and surfing, we were all whooping with delight, like kids with a powerful toy, especially when we clocked over 14 knots’ boat speed. Now this was what you’d call a test sail!

We were on board Beneteau’s brand new Oceanis 46.1, a design tasked with updating the company’s most popular model, sailing off Port Ginesta, Barcelona, under full main and Code 0. The designer, Pascal Conq, was with us and we had all now become intent on seeing just what this ‘fat-nosed’ new shape was capable of.

It was one of those days when it could have all gone wrong. The fact that it didn’t and that we were actually treated to an exhilarating, unforgettable sail – the type where you step ashore and can’t wipe the grin off your face – simply confirmed that the 46.1 is a quite brilliant new model from the world’s largest boatbuilder. That it looks set to become the biggest-selling cruising monohull is perhaps due to other factors, however.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Replacing a bestseller

To backtrack, the Oceanis 45 I tested in 2011, which went on to win a European Yacht of the Year award, is Beneteau’s most popular model to date. With more than 800 sold, it is arguably the most successful production cruiser of modern times. It’s no surprise then that Beneteau wanted to keep the key strengths and selling points of the 45, nor that it chose to repeat the winning design combination of Finot Conq for hull lines and Nauta Yachts for the styling and interior.

Conq explained that the design team wanted to retain the primary features of sailing performance, spacious cockpit and interior volume. This, he said, has all been placed within a new and more powerful hull shape, with a stepped or full-chined hull, with greater righting moment and the addition of twin rudders for added control.

The new 46.1 also has plenty of options, including a ‘First Line’ upgrade, which further increases performance by adding a taller mast and deeper keel.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

A win-win shape

In 2017 Beneteau launched the Berret Racoupeau-designed 51.1, the first of its new seventh-generation Oceanis range to use this stepped hull, together with a much fuller bow shape. The resultant forward internal volume and particularly sharp Nauta styling helped it sell like hot cakes (more than 200 we are told).

The Oceanis 46.1 shares a similar look and the only main difference with its layout is that there is no option for a crew cabin in the forepeak. However, the chine on the 46.1 runs all the way along the hull above the boot top, unlike the forward chine on the 51.1, which tapers out below the central hull portlight.

“We go in the fat nose direction,” Conq explains. “We found an area where there are no losses, just better performance and space. Take out the volume from under the waterline and put it at the sides – that’s the key!”

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Conq found there was no need to widen the waterline like the Oceanis 51.1, which seems to make for a telling difference on the water. The 46.1’s hull is less dumpy, with less wetted surface area, reveals Conq. This was very evident when I did my first sail trial of the 46.1 in Newport, Rhode Island, when the two boats squared up to each other. The 46.1 simply sailed through the 51.1 and is clearly a more slippery design.

We had glorious conditions, in early September, sailing on the sunny, historic racing waters, in a building thermal breeze of 6-12 knots. That particular 46.1 had a typical US spec, including a shallow 1.75m keel, the standard in-mast furling main, plus an optional large genoa instead of the self-tacking jib. Close-hauled, we clocked 6-6.3 knots in 7.8-8.3 knots true wind. The new bowsprit is a useful addition over the old Oceanis 45, as it encourages the easy deployment of a flying sail. Our speed rose to 8.5 knots with the Code 0 unfurled.

The only minor negative of our Newport trial was a rudder alignment issue, which made that boat want to turn to port. However, as I was to find out during my next outing, there is power in reserve on this new hull shape and no shortage of enjoyment on the helm.

Sailing the GTI model

The Oceanis 46.1 we tested from Port Ginesta in October was a performance ‘First Line’ version, with a deeper, lead bulb keel, a taller mast and a genoa, which provides 28% more sail area. Beneteau says this is an option many clients coming from its First range choose. It was during this test for the European Yacht of the Year competition that we were able to see how the 46.1 handles in wind and waves.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Punching out into a 2m swell and 15 knots true wind, both of which increased with the threatening approach of the dark clouds, the 46.1 showed a comfortable and consistent turn of speed, heading upwind at 7.5 plus knots. Perched to windward, we enjoyed a relatively comfortable motion.

“The camber allows for a less full bow than the Jeanneau,” Pascal Conq remarked, referring to Jeanneau’s latest SO440 and SO490, which have very full forward ends and full chines. He added that this helps to keep the 46.1 from slamming upwind.

We were heeling a fair bit yet there remained a very light, but guiding amount of weather helm. A bar joining the twin rudders and textile linkage to the wheels helps provide direct helm feedback.

After a good spell sailing to weather, we then experienced the exhilarating downwind ride I described earlier. In 20 knots true with Force 6-7 gusts, we were soon easily maintaining double figures. The wake separates at around 11 knots, which happened regularly with a bit of encouragement from the short wave pattern.

These waves were coming across us slightly rather than directly following, but as the apparent wind moved forward with our speed we were able to soak down enough to enjoy some memorable short surfs, clocking between 12-14.5 knots. We weren’t actively trimming either – the main was pinned against the spreaders and the Code 0 sheet was left in the self-tailer jaws – but, boy, was it a fun ride.

Although it was an impressive display of power and speed, what really struck me was how comfortable the Oceanis 46.1 felt. The twin rudders never even hinted that they might lose grip and hand us a scary, expensive or potentially embarrassing broach. This is a reassuring asset on a family cruiser.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Warm weather deck

The Oceanis 46.1 has a modern, Med-style, extra spacious cockpit set-up, extended at each end by a full-beam bathing platform and sunbeds on the flat coachroof. The helm area is similar to that of the 51.1, designed for one person to be able to sail the boat and control the winches from aft. “Clients really like winches aft and out of the cockpit,” Beneteau product manger Clément Bercault explained, reasoning that it leaves a huge cockpit area clear for the family.

The layout allows you to sail the 46.1 short-handed, but only if you are tidy and organised with running rigging. Thankfully, there is a useful locker for rope tails, with a mesh material base to allow draining. There is only just enough room to fit a winch handle between the primary and main winch each side, which may encourage people to opt for the powered winch upgrade.

The helmsman can share the raised panel on which the winches are mounted to keep a dry seat. However, it is too wide in the aft quarters to be able to wedge in there comfortably and still be able to reach the wheel.

I like the large cockpit table, which provides a sturdy foot brace when heeled and sitting on the cockpit bench. It has an integral fridge and, best of all, room enough to house an easily-accessible liferaft beneath.

There are no bench lockers, the space instead used for headroom below. So deck stowage is all in the ends, in a deep sail locker and quarter lockers. The latter will not suit larger items as they contain unprotected steering gear and electronics. The finish in these aft lockers looks poor, featuring bare plywood and liberal amounts of glue.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Where centimetres count

The layout below decks is understandably similar to the successful Oceanis 45. “We looked at where we could gain space everywhere with the new hull shape,” said Bercault as we descended the 45º companionway to escape the torrential rain.

So although the 46.1 is only 10cm longer than the 45 and has the same beam, its maximum beam is carried further forward and higher up, to increase the internal volume.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

The chine gives us 0.5m more beam,” Bercault explained. That beam gained above the waterline allows for the saloon berths to be pushed out 15cm each side compared with its predecessor, which buys valuable room. However, it’s up forward where you really notice the difference. The full bow sections allowed Beneteau to take the forward cabin of the Oceanis 48 and drop it into this 46.1, which tells you something about the volume.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

This owner’s cabin is astonishing for the yacht’s length, including an island double berth on which you can comfortably sleep with your head forward. The use of separate shower and heads compartments works very well, further emphasising the sense of space in the cabin. It also makes for a straightforward conversion into two ensuite cabins for the charter version.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

The extra space is also felt in the saloon and galley. I like the addition of an inboard worktop section in the galley, for example, which gives more serving space and a bracing position for when working at heel.

Within the multiple layout options, including three to five cabins with two to four heads, there is also the choice of a longitudinal galley with navstation to starboard.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

I like the light Nauta styling, which brings smart elements learned from the Oceanis Yachts 62, such as the bookcases built into the central bulkhead, the fabric linings and the indirect lighting. The brushed light oak veneer means no shortage of beige, but, together, with the huge hull portlights, this works well to keep the interior light and bright.

Quite why Beneteau goes to these styling lengths but won’t stretch to fitting rubber gaskets on the sole boards I fail to comprehend, however. Can you imagine walking around a prospective new house with each footstep being announced by a loud creaking? It feels like some sort of pantomime horror scene.

Stowage and tankage is moderate and in keeping with a yacht designed for coastal sailing and family holidays. By this I mean that the Oceanis 46.1 is an ideal yacht for cruising or chartering in the Med for a couple of weeks, rather than a design to suit long distance sailing or lengthy spells aboard.

It’s rare to have the opportunity to sail a new production yacht in a variety of conditions and with different options, and to be able to really push the boat. It is perhaps just as uncommon to see it perform so consistently in all conditions. While its builders will be acutely aware how important the design, styling and accommodation space is to maintain a healthy order book, the designer of the 46.1 clearly knows that the fundamental aspect of success is sound sailing qualities.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

With their latest full bow designs, both Beneteau and Jeanneau have added a new dimension in volume for cruising yachts, particularly with their enormous forward cabins. The Oceanis 46.1 takes all the best bits of the excellent 45 and makes them slightly better. The overall impression is of just how much deck space and internal volume you get inside 45 (and a bit) feet.

If the finish quality matched the design this would be a very difficult boat to beat. Even so, the Oceanis 46.1 has raised the bar significantly in the highly competitive melting pot of midsize family cruisers, in terms of both looks and performance. And I wager that it will go on to be as successful, if not more so, than the 45.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Specifications

LOA: 14.60m (47ft 11in)

LWL: 13.24m (43ft 5in)

Beam (Max): 4.50m (14ft 9in)

Draught: 2.35m (7ft 9in)

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Displacement (lightship): 10,597kg (23,362lb)

Ballast: 2,735kg (6,030lb)

Sail Area (100% foretriangle): 106.5m2 (1,146ft2)

Berths: 6-10

Engine: 57hp

Water: 70lt (81gal)

Fuel: 200lt (44gal)

Sail Area/displacement ratio: 22.4

Displacement/LWL ratio: 127

Price from: €225,300 (ex. VAT)

Test boat price: €344,000

Design: Finot Conq and Nauta Design

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Which One Should I Choose?

Jeanneau vs Beneteau

Table of Contents

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Jeanneau and Beneteau, two of the biggest boat manufacturers, boast of some of the finest boats in the boating world today.

Before we proceed we want to state now that if you have the cash, then, by all means, you can opt for both brands as they are suited for different purposes, plus you can’t go wrong with either. 

However, if you need a boat designed to meet a set of particular needs, or if, like us, you are simply inquisitive, then one question that must have crossed your mind is, “Which one should I choose?”  

Here we’ll compare these two boating giants. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, the information we provide will answer your question and help you decide which brand suits you best.

What is the difference between Beneteau and Jeanneau?

Without dragging things, let’s see just how different these two boating companies are;

Build Quality

The build quality of a boat determines how well it will perform when out on the sea. Knowing this, we decided to see what people who’ve had the first experience can say about both boats. 

After digging through several boating blogs and forums, we discovered that newer Jeanneau models feature more robust hulls than Beneteau, which is majorly possible because of the introduction of glassed-in stringers in their hulls. 

When we compared this to the glued-in linear system used in Beneteau boats, we discovered that glass stringers are the more reliable choice when sailing under harsh weather conditions. So, it’s safe to say that Jeanneau wins this round.

Performance and comfort

Diving into the performance and comfort of these two boats, we’d like you to be fully aware that the beautiful bow section and hull design of the Jeanneau helps it cut through the deep blue without fuss. 

This dramatically improves performance and creates a steady, firmer motion. Once the sails catch the wind, it rarely lets it go. This trapped wind is essential in driving the vessel forward.

On the other hand, Beneteau puts comfort first, with big roomier rooms and even a kitchen in some models. 

Different models have lounge areas and can accommodate up to 8 people. This doesn’t mean that the Beneteau does not perform well in the open sea; it just seems like comfort is the priority here.

Regarding the different materials used in making these two sailing giants, we’d like you to know that Beneteau uses a balsa core and resin for the hull. The balsa core used reduces the quantity of needed resin significantly while also maintaining the desired structural integrity of the boat. 

Additionally, the balsa core and resin pairing reduces the boat’s overall weight and improves its speed. This translates to better sailing, and over time, this balsa core has become infamous for its insulating, lightweight, noise reduction, and high resistance properties. 

Beneteau prefers Alpi wood

Still, on the materials used in constructing Beneteau boats, we discovered that the company prefers Alpi wood which is known for its compatibility with timber products used offshore .

Unlike Beneteau with the balsa and resin, modern Jeanneau boats are built through the vacuum resin infusion molding process, a technique that guarantees weight control. Instead of wood, fiberglass is used. They’ve stuck to using fiberglass to make boats for over 50 years. 

Read Next: How To Remove Yellow Stains from a Fiberglass Boat

Now, it’s time to take a look at some key features that distinguish Beneteau from Jeanneau. One feature that stands out in Beneteau boats is its Dock & Go System, which eliminates the need to guide your boat into the dock manually.

This novel creation solves the problem of controlling your boat in tight places. Instead of worrying about maneuvering, there is a joystick that coordinates the pivoting sail drive and bow thruster.

The competition, Jeanneau is also game when it comes to delivering mouth-watering features. 

This brand teams up with the ZF Marine group to make a system similar to Beneteaus’. However, their version will allow you to direct the boat in any direction of your choosing; they don’t call it the “360 docking” for no reason. 

Architects and Designers

Over the years, Beneteau has worked with several designers and architects. These professionals have aided in the production and creation of incredible innovations. 

Even today, they continue to work with well-known designers and architects like Pierangelo Andreani, a designer and an architect, Robert Biscontini of BISCONTINI YACHT DESIGN, Jean Berret & Olivier Racoupeau, and several others. 

The Beneteau boating group has also been able to keep up with boating architectural designs that are relevant today.

They have Daniel Andrieu, Vittorio Garroni, Marc Lombard, and Andrew Winch, all of whom are CEOs of their own architectural design companies. These people have been of immense help to the Beneteau group .

For folks who opt for Jeanneau, peace of mind is guaranteed. The company offers a three-year international warranty to all its customers. This means you can go on a cruise wherever you choose and wouldn’t have to worry about breaching the warranty on your Jeanneau boats.

The company also has a 5-year warranty for hull blistering, partly due to its new resin material used for barrier coating. 

Still, on Jeanneau, you’ll be pleased to know that this brand offers its customers a 7-year structure-only warranty. This warranty covers all deck and hull repairs . However, to claim this warranty, the technical services team must prove that it is a manufacturing defect. 

Finally, here’s the best part of the Jeanneau warranty. Wait for it! 

The warranty can be transferred to the next boat owner as long as the purchase is made within the boat’s warranty period. 

With Beneteau boats, you also get two mouth-watering warranty packages. One of which is the 7-year warranty for structures and hulls, the second is a 3-year defective warranty. 

A professional technician must verify that all warranty claims are the manufacturers’ fault, and these warranties start reading from the date you purchase your Beneteau boat from a verified retailer.

Having compared these boating giants, I guess it’s time we let you in on a little secret. Well, these two boat companies are owned by the same parent company. 

So, to answer the question, Beneteau Vs. Jeanneau “Which one should I choose?” 

 We say your choice will be based on personal preference and needs. Beneteau boats are roomy and comfortable, perfect for relaxing when sailing not so far from shore. However, Jeanneau’s are designed and built to sail the open sea without any shred of timidity. So, over to you, which do you prefer?

PS: Interested in How to Rig a Sunfish Sailboat? Check out this blog here!

Bill

Bill is an ISA Sailing & Powerboating Instructor in Ireland. He writes about all things sailing.

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How to compare Jeanneau Vs. Beneteau

  • Thread starter Zami Ben-Chorin
  • Start date Oct 3, 2004
  • Beneteau Owner Forums
  • Ask A Beneteau Owner

Zami Ben-Chorin

Hi all I have been asked what is the difference between Jeanneau and beneteau especially in the high range, i.e.. 49 feet & up (mainly SO 49 & 54 and the comparable in Beneteau 47 & 57) - fully loaded yacht with full package Overall comments, if possible from owners with experience in both models. I am looking for constructive thoughts, as I am aware of same ownership and similarities, However, one have to make up his mind, Cost is not the major issue here, rather design, construction quality, sailing characteristics, ease of chandelling in rough water, integrity of hull, re-sale value, engine capability (motorsailing), etc can you help, I appreciate your responses Thanks zami I will appriciate if possible personal reply [email protected]  

My 2 cents . . . Here is my two cents: In the most general terms and with lots of exceptions I find that Beneteau's sail better and Jeanneau's have a bit more room and the level of fit and finish is a just a very small bit higher. Both builders build excellent boats but if sailing is your top prioirty I would give Beneteau a slight edge. --Dan  

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What is Beneteau and why should you by one

Dive into our extensive guide on Beneteau sailboats. Discover insightful perspectives, arguments and competitors - everything you need to set sail on a Beneteau

October 20, 2023

Date Posted:

June 28, 2023

Beneteau is a renowned French company that manufactures a wide variety of boats, including sailboats. The company was established in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau and has grown over the decades to become one of the leading boat manufacturers worldwide.

The Beneteau brand is synonymous with innovation, quality, and seaworthiness. They produce different sailboats designed for various uses, from cruising to racing. The company’s sailboat range includes small boats for casual sailing, larger yachts for extended cruising, and even high-performance boats for competitive sailing.

Beneteau’s most popular sailboat lines included the Oceanis, First, and Sense series.

  • The Oceanis line is designed for comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for cruising and liveaboard sailors. These boats are known for their spacious interiors, excellent build quality, and efficient sailing characteristics.
  • The First series is targeted towards racing and performance-oriented sailing. These boats have sleek, streamlined designs and are built for speed while still offering some cruising comforts.
  • The Sense series offers a unique blend of sailing performance and liveaboard comfort, with features designed for long-distance blue water cruising. They are known for their innovative layouts that provide an easy and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

3 types of beneteau boats in blue water

3 reasons to buy a Beneteau sailboat

Versatility and variety.

Beneteau offers a diverse range of boats to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a performance-oriented sailboat for racing, a comfortable yacht for leisurely cruising, or a motorboat for fishing and day trips, Beneteau has options that cater to a wide spectrum of boating enthusiasts. The extensive range allows you to find a boat that aligns closely with your intended usage and style preferences.

Innovation and Modern Features

Beneteau is known for staying at the forefront of technological innovations and incorporating modern features in its boats. The company’s boats often come equipped with cutting-edge navigational systems, efficient hull designs, and luxurious amenities that enhance comfort and performance. A Beneteau boat can be an appealing choice for someone who values modernity and state-of-the-art features.

Global Support and Resale Value

Owning a Beneteau comes with the assurance of a broad global support network, thanks to the brand’s international presence. This makes it relatively easy to access service and maintenance, even if you are cruising in different parts of the world. Additionally, Beneteau’s reputation as a reliable and well-regarded brand often translates to strong resale values. For those who may wish to upgrade or sell their boat in the future, this can be an important financial consideration.

Beneteau is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world and has an extensive history that spans over a century. Beneteau was founded in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau, a shipbuilder who began by building fishing boats in the Vendée region of France. Over the years, the company expanded its operations to include both sailboats and motorboats, and it is now a multinational company with a presence in multiple countries worldwide.

Innovation and Design : Beneteau is known for its innovative designs and use of modern technology. The company has introduced numerous design features that have influenced the boating industry. For example, they were among the first boat builders to use GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) to construct their boats, which is now standard in the industry.

Global Presence : The company operates internationally, with dealerships and manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, including the United States and Poland. Beneteau’s boats are sold all over the world.

Environmental Responsibility : Beneteau is committed to environmental responsibility. The company strives to minimize the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives over the years.

Heritage and Reputation : With over a century of experience, Beneteau has a strong heritage and reputation in the boating industry. The brand is synonymous with reliability, and owning a Beneteau can be seen as an endorsement of quality.

Innovation and Technology : Beneteau is known for incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative designs in their boats. They have been pioneers in many aspects, including hull design and manufacturing techniques. This means that with a Beneteau, you’re likely getting some of the latest features and innovations.

Wide Range of Options : Beneteau offers a diverse range of sailboats, from small, performance-oriented models to large, luxurious cruising yachts. This diversity makes it easier for buyers to find a boat that fits their specific needs and preferences.

Resale Value : Beneteau sailboats generally have good resale values due to the brand’s reputation and demand in the used boat market. This can be an important consideration for buyers looking at the total cost of ownership over time.

Global Support and Dealership Network : As an international brand, Beneteau has an extensive dealership and service network across the globe. This makes it easier to find service and support for your boat, no matter where you are.

Comfort and Liveability : Many Beneteau models, especially in the Oceanis range, are designed with a focus on comfort and liveability. They often feature spacious interiors, efficient layouts, and amenities that make them suitable for extended cruising and living aboard.

Performance : Particularly in their First series, Beneteau has models that are performance-oriented and well-regarded in the racing community. This is ideal for sailors who are looking to participate in regattas or who simply enjoy a more sporty sailing experience.

Community : Owning a Beneteau can also provide you with access to a community of fellow owners. There are clubs and associations for Beneteau owners, and being part of this community can be both socially rewarding and practical, as experienced owners can be a good source of advice and support.

Motorboats : In addition to sailboats, Beneteau also manufactures a wide range of motorboats. These include small outboard motorboats, larger inboard cruisers, and luxury motor yachts. They also have ranges of powerboats for different uses, from day-boating to cruising and luxury yachting.

Beneteau competitors

Beneteau has several competitors in the sailboat and motorboat markets. The boating industry is quite diverse, and the major competitors can vary depending on the type and size of the boat. Here are some of the notable competitors in the sailboat market:

  • Jeanneau : Like Beneteau, Jeanneau is a French brand often considered one of Beneteau’s closest competitors. They offer a similar range of sailboats known for quality and performance. Interestingly, Beneteau and Jeanneau are part of the same parent group, Groupe Beneteau.
  • Bavaria Yachtbau : A German brand, Bavaria is known for producing well-built sailboats and motorboats. Their Cruiser and Vision series of sailboats are particularly popular among cruising enthusiasts.
  • HanseYachts AG : Another German manufacturer, Hanse produces a range of modern and innovative sailboats. They are known for their easy handling, performance, and customizable designs.
  • Dufour Yachts : Also based in France, Dufour manufactures cruising sailboats known for their performance, quality, and comfort. They have a range of models suitable for both coastal and blue-water cruising.
  • Catalina Yachts : An American brand, Catalina Yachts produces a range of sailboats known for their durability and value. They have a loyal following, particularly in the United States.
  • Hunter Marine : This is another American brand well-known for producing cruising sailboats. They offer boats with a good balance of comfort, ease of use, and performance.
  • Elan Yachts : Based in Slovenia, Elan builds performance-oriented cruising sailboats. They are known for incorporating innovative features and designs in their boats.

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10 Best Sailboats For Circumnavigation

Best Sailboats For Circumnavigation | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Circumnavigation means to successfully navigate around any sort of landmasses such as an island or continent. Whilst in yesteryear we would have relied on compasses, maps, stars and uncomfortable conditions, now sailboats are fitted with a vast array of equipment to help you circumnavigate anywhere you choose in a comfortable and timely manner.

It would seem reasonable to suggest that a small and lightweight boat wouldn't have the capability to circumnavigate effectively, but this is no longer the case. Due to the developments in the understanding of technology and materials over the last 20 years or so, mass produced boats are more than capable of surviving any conditions providing the crew are prepared properly. With the improvements in engineering especially, long gone are the days where slow, bulky, and claustrophobic cruisers were your only option. You can travel in style!

Ultimately, this article is going to answer the question: what are the best sailboats for circumnavigation? There are a few major things that you need to consider. Principle amongst them are the facilities on board the sailboat, the ease of use, how the deck and cabins are organized, the space available and finally the performance of the vessel overall. Take your time and think carefully about it.

Table of contents

10 Best Sailboats for Circumnavigation

1. jeanneau sun odyssey 54ds.

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-odyssey-54ds"}}

Starting off our list with one of the strongest contenders, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS certainly ticks the luxury box. What's impressive is just how visually striking and spacious the 54DS is. It has big, swooping curves that give this sailboat a really distinctive shape. When this line of boat made its debut in 2003, the superstructure was considered to be one of the very best in the world and it still ranks highly today. Not only this, but the interior is designed to be luxurious and you have a surprising amount of space available in the cabin.

There's more to this boat than the looks though. The build quality on the whole is absolutely fantastic and it's quite powerful too. Many previous owners have attributed the high standard build quality, powerful performance and the excellent superstructure to the predictable and reliable performance. This is ideal for circumnavigation as you want a boat that is going to perform predictably and not throw you any major surprises!

A few other notable features on the 54DS are deep-draft keel and a standard in-mast furling mainsail. It also comes with an optional full battened main. All of these features are considered to be standard equipment for long distance cruisers.

All the high-quality features come at an expensive price. The price is certainly above average for a sailboat like this and you could make do with something a little less advanced but it's important to remember that the price is balanced out by the quality of the interior and stunning shape. Certainly some food for thought.

2. Amel Super Maramu

{{boat-info="/boats/amel-super-maramu"}}

A highly regarded design by the Frenchman Henri Amel, this sailboat was his idea of what a high-performance circumnavigating sailboat should look like. The main point of the design was to encourage as much performance out of the boat as possible in deeper waters. This means less luxury, and more functionality. Oh, and not to mention that is undeniably French, so bear that in mind.

The boat itself looks like a traditional circumnavigating sailor, but it's got a lot of modern features to offer. The ship itself is designed to be operated by a small crew of two people. Everything is about efficiency. For example, the ketch rig is designed to be simple yet highly effective. Even the sails are electrically controlled! This means that the boat is really easy to use and manageable. It's recommended that for sailors who have a couple of years' experience because a few components can be a little bit complicated to do.

One thing that you might want to consider is that the Super Maramu isn't designed to be customised. Coming in at 53 feet long, it simply wouldn't be worth the effort to make any exterior modifications. It's a similar story for the interior as well. All the interior is functional so if you are looking for a more luxurious circumnavigator, then this wouldn't be a good option.

3. Hallberg-Rassy 42 and 42F

{{boat-info="/boats/hallberg-rassy-42"}}

The Hallberg-Rassy range is known for their toughness and almost mythical build quality. The design is ruthlessly efficient, seen as there is absolutely no wasted space at all. This means that everything is focused on functionality, but this comes at the expense of it being a little bit less comfortable. The relatively simple exterior design is fitting in terms of the overall theme of the boat, simplicity and efficiency.

The layout below decks is also designed to be as efficient and user friendly as possible. This means that the boat is easy to use as well as the interior having a surprisingly fantastic finish to it. The design adds a lot of value to this boat because the ease of use and quality mean it's a fantastic place to be. Of course, this is depending on the amount of time you're going to spend circumnavigating but for a long trip, this is wonderful.

A word on the performance. It is very good too. It wouldn't be considered one of the best performing boats on this list but it's certainly more than good enough to get you where you need to go.

{{boat-info="/boats/hallberg-rassy-42f"}}

4. Hylas 54

{{boat-info="/boats/hylas-54"}}

The German Frers design can be seen again in the Hylas 54 but it's no surprise considering how good the design actually is. The Hylas 54 is designed to be a good balance between performance and efficiency.

The hull is built to an extremely high standard and the boat can also be driven very easily. In fact, its so easy to sail that achieving over 200-miles per day isn't too much of a struggle. On the deck, the design is compact and efficient which is perfect if you're an experienced sailor.

Another strong feature of the Hylas 54 is that there's a great amount of space and degree of flexibility below decks. You are free to choose how you want the layout to look as well as the quality of the finish. It even has a raised saloon version of which further adds to the flexibility and space available.

Owners are generally positive about this modal as well as the newer model, the Hylas 56. One of the biggest advantages is that it's really easy to handle. This would make a great, all round option for circumnavigating where you have the freedom to make it feel like home!

5. Beneteau 57

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-57"}}

This is possibly one of the best, high-end options on the market currently! The Beneteau 57 is designed to be as stylish and reliable as possible. It would be fair to categorise it as a luxury cruiser that's for sure!

The hull is designed to be as fast and as sleek as possible. Paired with the stunning hull, the cockpit is placed as central as possible to maximise the amount of space available on the deck as well as keeping everything as neat and organised below decks.

The facilities below decks don't suffer either. All the systems have a fantastic finish to them and on the whole are very impressive. There is a fairly reasonable amount of space considering that the length of the boat is over 50 feet long.

It's fair to say that if you want to enjoy your tip but do it in luxury, then the Beneteau 57 is an absolutely fantastic option. The biggest benefit is that the price is extremely competitive considering the build-quality and luxurious feel you pay for.

6. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-odyssey-49"}}

A rather surprising selection on the list! The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey isn't actually designed for circumnavigation by the charter market. However, due to its size and adaptability, it works extremely well as a circumnavigator.

Featuring a large cockpit, easy to maintain sailplan and a wonderful all-round performance, this really is a boat that can do pretty much anything you ask of it. A unique feature that this boat has is that it has a dedicated sail lock in the bow of the ship which is ideal for adjusting the height of the sail.

Below decks, you'll find a boat that has a variety of options for you. The cabin is designed to be twin aft but, if you remove the bulkhead, you can change the space into a massive single cabin. Below decks also feature a large navigation station which is a cool feature. The finish of the interior is also completed to a high standard which means that it's a comfortable and relaxing place to be!

7. Lagoon 440

{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-440"}}

This is a sailboat that has a lot of accolades. More lagoons have crossed the Atlantic. This is due to the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. In regards to the 440 modal in particular, they have taken part in the Atlantic Rally more often than any other lagoon. So, what does all this mean? Well, the Lagoon 440 is designed to be a quality cruiser that's incredibly reliable and safe.

On the deck, there is an awful lot of room. You have a saloon, a big cockpit, a wide trampoline forward and the flybridge. This means that there's plenty of space to socialise with your other crew members or in the harbour. It also means that you have enough space for some privacy too which is fantastic depending on how much time you're going to spend on the boat.

Below decks, it's very much the same story. The interior is polished and refined as well as having an enormous amount of space. This is absolutely ideal for having a large crew and enjoying your journey!

One final thing to highlight is the performance of the boat itself. It certainly isn't the fastest, but the boat will certainly get you anywhere in a good amount of time.

8. Beneteau Oceanis 473

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-oceanis-473"}}

The Beneteau Oceanis 473 is an extremely popular sailboat for circumnavigation. The design was actually meant for the charter market but because of the vast size, comfortable features and the fact its relatively affordable, it became a target for cruisers looking for a bargain.

There hasn't been a lot of modifications for circumnavigation, but the boat is good at handling heavy weather and performs in a stable and predictable manner. This means that it's incredibly easy to control and perfect for a long-distance cruise.

The interior is a little bit funky too! There are a few different cabin styles but the most popular one is the three-cabin version. The rooms are big enough, but they aren't ideal to use on the sea because some of the room is wasted. However, it is excellent for harbour parties.

9. Bavaria 42

{{boat-info="/boats/bavaria-42"}}

The Bavaria 42 is the most popular mass-produced boat to cross oceans. The sailboat is designed to be a no-nonsense, affordable, and adaptable cruiser. It's also well engineered for the price.

On the deck, a long waterline and fairly good sail area provide a good amount of performance. It is very heavy though when the cruising essentials are stored on board. It's important to bear this in mind. The cockpit is also positioned to be as central as possible to open up more space.

Below decks, the interior is straightforward and functional. There are two to three sleeping cabins depending on what model you choose. The sleeping cabins are generally considered to be functional at best.

It's the standard, go to a cruiser for circumnavigation. This should be the sailboat that you compare everything to!

10. Oyster 56

{{boat-info="/boats/oyster-yachts-oyster-56"}}

I've saved possibly the best option for last. The Oyster 56 is highly regarded and considered to be a dream boat for most. The biggest advantage of the Oyster 56 is the fact that it's so flexible and simple to use but the standard of the instruments and interior is absolutely stunning.

There isn't too much else to say because everything is built to an unbelievably high standard. The deck is designed to be small enough to be crewed by two people, but it's sufficiently big enough to cross vast distances quickly and in immense comfort. The systems can be crewed by up to six people, with the ideal number being from two-four.

It's the exact situation below decks as well. A lavish interior is designed to relax you in comfort. There's a lot of space so it feels more like home rather than a boat. Everything you could want is available. The 56 is absolutely fantastic for long distance cruising.

A final thing to mention is that the Oyster 56 wins pretty much anything it competes in. You certainly are buying a quality boat!

Ultimately, the choice of the best sailboat for navigation depends on what experience you are looking for. It's fair to say that each sailboat has their own positives and negatives. You might want to relax in comfort and luxury, or you might want to have a more authentic, manual experience. The important things to consider are the space available below decks, the size of the boat and how easy it is to use and whether the boat meets your needs.

However, if I was to make a recommendation, I would suggest the Beneteau 57. Even though it is one of the most expensive sailboats on the list, it offers a wide variety of applications, excellent build quality and luxury interior makes this an amazing boat to travel in. If you want to travel in style, then this certainly is the boat for you! This is an excellent boat for larger crews, especially six and up.

If the Beneteau 57 isn't your cup of tea, then another excellent recommendation would be the Bavaria 42. This is an excellent option due to the outstanding build quality, quality engineering and functionality. It's perfect for small crew that like to have a functional and minimalist experience but really connect with the sea and the natural surroundings. Just bear in mind that it is a lot smaller than the majority of the sailboats on the list so don't expect to have the same luxurious experience you might have with some others.

Hopefully, you've found the perfect sailboat for you or if not, you've got some inspiration! The main thing is that the boat should add to the enjoyment and experience of the journey, not detract from it. No matter what boat you choose, make sure you enjoy it!

Happy sailing!

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Beneteau Oceanis 37 vs Jeanneau SO 379

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Hello all, Just joined Sailnet and on the way to fulfill my dream, buying a new boat. I narrowed down my choice to either Jeanneau SO 379 or Beneteau O 37 (I am French...). Jeanneau's quotes I got are almost 20k above the B. Any thoughts on either boat would be greatly appreciated. Take care.  

PCP

Hi, I see it like that: The Oceanis 37 is probably the best 36/37 cruiser from tha market segment regarding the previous generation (I believe the boat is to be substituted very shortly). Several members have them and they have all posted nice things about the boat particularly in what regards speed and safety in downwind sailing. The boat has also a great interior with lots of storage. The Jeanneau 379 (don't be mislead it is a 36ft boat, the Oceanis is actually bigger) is a boat from the new generation. You can compare the interior and storage. I never had been inside that one but I suspect I would prefer the Oceanis interior. Regarding sailing the Jeanneau has a performance option (and the Oceanis has not) and regarding the boat with that option I suspect it will make a significant difference to the Oceanis, but then I guess that difference in price will be a lot bigger. Regarding the standard Jeanneau 379, the Jeanneau is about 200kg heavier, has less tankage (that I think can be increased as an option). Regarding sailing if we consider the furling option, the Jeanneau has only 62.2m2 comparing with 67.8 from the Oceanis. With a traditional main the Jeanneau has 70m2 of sail. With a traditional main the performance of both boats should be really close if we take into consideration that the Oceanis is slightly lighter. Regarding righting moment the Oceanis should be a more powerful boat: The draft and ballast are about the same (with bit advantage to the jeanneau that has a more modern and efficient keel) but the Oceanis has a lot more beam ( 3.79 to 3.92) and that will give it a bigger RM. The Oceanis will be better downwind and from 60º up but slightly worst in pointing ability and against the wind specially with waves. The rigging is also better on the Jeanneau in what regards that with the possibility of a self taking jib that has a better angle. 20K is a lot of money but the Oceanis 37 will devalue a lot when a new model appears and that can be in this year. If you are going to keep the boat for a long time it is another story and I guess you could even find a better price on that Oceanis and you can add a self taking jib or a small traveler over the cabin for a Jib. It is up to you. Start by the interior and storage and if in doubt, just test sail both boats, the feeling at the wheel is something very important and you can only feel that sailing the boat. Don't forget also to compare the price of both boats with the same equipment. Regards Paulo  

Paulo, thanks so much for your take on this and spending the time looking at the specs. These are very good thoughts. I have sailed a lot of 470 dinghys in my youth but have no experience with cruisers so, I am kind of learning it all over again and this forum is a fantastic help. Take care,  

Faster

Paulo is indeed our resident expert on all the new offerings (some beauties in the EU that never seem to make it across the pond included - were I shopping a new boat there are some gems in that group... but shipping would of course add to likely-already-pricier boats. The Jeanneau chine look is growing on me, there's a 379 at a local broker that, externally, looks interesting but I'd not be surprised if the Oceanus is a more liveable boat on the cruising side.  

Chuteman

Chuteman said: ... P.S. Just noticed your DC location - lucky You = Both Mfg are well represented in Annapolis - You can get rides with no problem + find owners to talk to........do You plan to sail in that area? Also here's link to Beneteau & Jeanneau owner's sites Jeanneau Owners Network Forum - Home BeneteauOwners.com - Home Click to expand...

I had exactly the same dillema but when I really got my head round the 379 cockpit advantages the B37 just isnt in the same league. I now own a 379 with standard fin keel. Nothing has disappointed me with this boat. She is fast and very easy to handle with the twin wheels. The german mainsheet works well and she tracks upwind brilliantly. With an almost vertical bow section you get a boat with a very long waterline. The combination of the waterline length and aft quarter chines all works very well for upwind speed and angle. I dont know why Paulo thinks its 36ft! Its definitely 37ft 37.2 feet to be exact. The beam is 12.5ft so I dont know why he thinks it is smaller than the B37. The cockpit seating on the B37 is in my opinion very dissapointing totally flat and with only one relatively small wheel virtually impossible to helm from the side of the boat. My last boat was a B361 so I was already acutely aware of this problem. As for accomodation I have the owners version of the 379. The heads are huge with a full size wc. The interior woodwork is light in colour as opposed to B dark. Jusat a matter of taste I have been used to both and dont have a preference. I have no doublt that when the new B37 comes it will be much more like the 379 with twin wheels and much better cockpit ergonomics. Until then the 379 wins hands down in my humble opinion.  

davaar said: ... I dont know why Paulo thinks its 36ft! Its definitely 37ft 37.2 feet to be exact. The beam is 12.5ft so I dont know why he thinks it is smaller than the B37. The cockpit seating on the B37 is in my opinion very dissapointing totally flat and with only one relatively small wheel virtually impossible to helm from the side of the boat. My last boat was a B361 so I was already acutely aware of this problem. .... Click to expand...

I am curious, what did you buy? I am currently facing a similar decision and am hesitant between these 2 sailboats. I am also considering the Jeanneau 41DS, any opinion?  

I guess that today you are talking about the Oceanis 38 that had replaced the 37? I am not sure if I understand why you prefer the 41DS over the Jeanneau 409 or if you are interested on a 41 why are you not considering the Oceanis also? a bigger boat would be faster, more comfortable at sea and more expensive with a lot more interior space. First you should decide if you want and need a 41ft sailboat and then choose among them. Regards Paulo  

Zoya

Hello, I ended up buying a Beneteau Oceanis 41 and am very happy with that choice. In my research, I felt that for that size of boat, the Beneteau offered tremendous value when comparing to boats from Jeanneau, their sister company.  

I just joined Sailnet recently and I also live in the DC area (French too) and looking for either Jeanneau, Benneteau or Dufour (potentially). Did you consider the Jeanneau 41 in your decision? And also if I may ask, where did you park your new boat? What is the best Marina close to DC? I am planning on buying a boat this fall. thx JL  

Just got off a chartered Beneteau 37. Great boat but the one thing that has me perplexed is the 15 gallon holding tank. With five people aboard (four ladies) we needed a pump out far more often that I would have liked. If this is important to you for multi day cruising, please make sure your decision has tis in mind.  

Well a 4 day charter one would expect to be 3 miles out so you can pump over then. But in a lake or other no discharge zones can be a problem. Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 4  

One significant advantage of the Jeanneau is the option for dual rudders on the shoal keel boats. I have a SO 379 with this set up and it tracks beautifully. Great control regardless of heel angle. I hated to settle for the shoal draft, but with the Great Lakes evaporating rapidly, it seemed like a wise choice and the twin rudders helped to offset some of the performance lost with the shallow keel.  

I had the same choice/problem. I choose the Oceanis 37 Limited. It is a beautiful boat especially with the Limited interior. It is a little roomier too and a little cheaper than the SO 379. I have not taken delivery yet so I cannot comment on the performance of either boat. It seems to me the blog I read saying that the Oceanis is a little better off the wind and the SO 379 a little better against the wind, is a fair assessment.  

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BAVARIA, BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, HANSE or DUFOUR?

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Let’s start with Bavaria, which has always had nice small cruisers, and now has in that range the Cruiser 34, which in fact is a 32.0 ft boat, certified as Class A  (A6 ). It has a very nice hull, designed by Farr, before the mania to increase the hull beam as much as possible (at cost of light wind and upwind performance), for interior volume. 

With a beam of 3.42m, a modern cast iron bulbed keel with 2.0m draft and 25.7% B/D, for a 5298kg displacement, it is a  relatively heavy boat for its size, as are all in this category. A modern hull, with fine entries and moderate beam, will provide a good sail performance, except upwind with stronger winds and waves, where the small ballast will not be enough to give it a good performance.

It has a modest 17.0 SA/D, (that the narrow hull will maximize), an interior with plenty of cabinets and storage, it is nice, interesting, and comfortable.

In regards to running rigging, it has the possibility of having 6 winches, which allow for easy sailing, even with the standard genoa. It comes standard with a genoa track.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

It costs 110 665 euros without VAT at the shipyard and that makes it a very interesting sailboat. It is really a pity the 34 does not have more ballast, but that would increase the price, and I can understand why they have chosen to design the boat like it is, allowing for the less expensive boat in the category, but even so, one of the more rewarding to sail. 

Hanse has the 348, that curiously has a Class A certification with less crew (A4). It is a 32.8 ft boat with a 3.50m beam displacing 6560kg, having 2300kg ballast (35%B/D), on an L bulbed cast iron keel, with a 2.0m draft.

It is difficult to understand why the Bavaria 34, with a lot less ballast on a similar keel, is certified as A6 while the Hanse is certified as A4. Still, if the technical characteristics are right, the Hanse 348 has a lot more stability than Bavaria, including final stability and a better AVS.

They have different hulls, the one from the Hanse considerably beamier (3.42 to 3.50m) and with larger bow entries, but even so, a nice hull designed by Judel & Vrolijk. All in all the Hanse is a very well-balanced cruiser, offering a bigger interior than the Bavaria 34 on a nicely designed sailboat, that looks bigger than it is. It offers a 4-winch setup,  more stiffness (sail power), even though it has a smaller upwind SA/D than the Bavaria 34 (16.2 to 17.0).

Between the two, if the price were the same, I would choose clearly the Hanse 348, but there is a reason for Bavaria being designed the way it is, and that is the price: the Bavaria costs 110 665 euros and the Hanse 137 900 euros. The Bavaria in weak winds and downwind is probably faster than the Hanse, it will give more fun to sail, but will lose clearly in seaworthiness, and with strong winds the Hanse will be much faster upwind, being easier to sail downwind.

Both boats have a good interior with plenty of cabinets, offering the Hanse a bigger forward cabin and a bigger toilet area. Only you know if what Bavaria offers in what regards forward cabin space is enough, taking into consideration that the aft cabin is big. If that is the case the Bavaria, costing considerably less, can make more sense.

If there is no shortage of money or if the boat is to keep for more years, and if the need for a bigger boat is not previewed in the future, then the Hanse 348 makes more sense. In fact, it will offer much more potential as a cruising boat to sail anywhere, without safety concerns.

Jeanneau has the Sun Odyssey 349, one of the more, if not the most popular cruiser in this segment. It is a 32.7ft boat with 5340kg displacement and a 29.6%B/D with a cast iron L keel, with about 2.0m draft, on a hull with a 3.44 m beam.

The hull is very well designed by Marc Lombard, with narrow entries and almost all the beam pulled aft. It is certified as Class A (A6) and it offers a good sail performance, with an 18.4 SA/D, slightly more that the one of Hanse and it costs 123 500 euros. It is hard to beat what the 349 offers at that price, and it is easier to see why it is a best-seller, but even so, the Bavaria is considerably less expensive and the Hanse offers superior seaworthiness and bigger overall stability, feeling like a bigger boat.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

In what regards interior, the SO 349 offers a head as good as the one in the Hanse, a smaller front cabin (due to a small and protruding anchor locker) and an interior that even if it is very nice offers fewer cabinets than the Bavaria or the Hanse. It should also be said that, from the above, it is the only one that offers a true bowsprit, which makes its image more sportive and contributes to a better use of a gennaker or a code 0.

It comes standard with a genoa, but not with a genoa rail. As an option, it can have an efficient but more difficult to use 3d cable system, for controlling genoa shape. It comes without a backstay but it can have one as an option. You should always look at boat prices with the equipment you want because that can turn an apparently cheaper boat into a more expensive one.

A very interesting proposition, with a price in between the one of the Bavaria and the Hanse, not as much boat as the Hanse (not the same overall stability or safety stability), but a faster one in most conditions, and also faster than the cheaper Bavaria, even if in light winds, they should be very close, and with Bavaria using a gennaker or a code 0,  I doubt very much it will be the case (in light wind).

Beneteau offers the Oceanis 34.1 which is also a 32.7ft boat, also designed by Marc Lombard. It has a very different hull than the Jeanneau, basically because it is much beamier (3.57m to 3.44m). It displaces just a bit more (5470kg to 5340), for a smaller 28.9%B/D, on a similar L cast iron keel with the same draft (2.00).

It has a slightly overall bigger stability (more hull form stability) for a slightly worse safety stability and AVS. With a 15.9 SA/D (with the bigger mainsail and the standard self-taking jib) it will be till now the slowest of all considered boats, especially because the smaller SA/D corresponds to a bigger drag. On this one a genoa is really needed and that will give it a 17.9 SA/D, but that implies a more expensive boat, with two additional travelers and a bigger sail (as on the Hanse, for mounting a genoa).

The Hanse and the Oceanis are the beamier boats (3.50 and 3.57), the ones that will sail slower in light wind but also the ones that will heel less while sailing and that means a more comfortable boat for cruising, even if one less rewarding for sailing. 

The main difference between the Oceanis and the Hanse, besides the bigger Oceanis beam, is the displacement, the ballast and the B/D, all with influence on the boat stability, being in the overall one, the safety stability or AVS.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

The Oceanis will have a bigger hull form stability due to a bigger beam, but that will be more than compensated by the bigger Hanse displacement (6560kg to 5470kg) and for the result, the big B/D difference (35.0% to 28.9%) (with similar keels) will have in the overall stability. 

That difference in B/D will have a bigger impact on the safety stability and AVS, which is considerably better on the Hanse.

Like the Jeanneau, the Oceanis has an interior with fewer cabinets than the Hanse or Bavaria (even less than the Jeanneau), and the interior is a lot less nice than the one of the Jeanneau. The front cabin is as bigger as the one of the Hanse and even if the chain locker is bigger than the Jeanneau one, it also protrudes inside the forward cabin. Like the Jeanneau it can have a fixed bowsprit, (but only as an option) and has no backstay, not even an optional one.

Regarding the backstay, that both Hanse and Bavaria have, don’t let them convince you that not having a backstay has any advantage, other than allowing for bigger top squared mainsails (that is not the case here, at least standard), and being cheaper. Really sportive or race boats, with square top mainsail have two backstays and use one or another depending on mainsail position.

In fact not having a backstay implies that the spreaders are much more brought aft and that means you can open very little the main while sailing downwind, making it much less effective, it means also that you cannot trim the frontal sail pulling the mast back, or allowing it forward (spreaders less pulled aft) sailing upwind. Obviously, it will also give the rig less stability and less safety.

The Oceanis 34.1 costs 5700 euros more than the Jeanneau (129 200 euros) and I cannot see why. Maybe because the Jeanneau 349 is an older model. But I would say that, if you want a boat that sails with less heel and with a bigger overall stability, you should buy the Hanse 348. It sails better upwind and has a nicer interior with more storage.

The small price difference seems more than justified to me, for a better boat in all aspects, maybe except outside looks, where the Oceanis looks more aggressive and the Hanse more classic.

Dufour has the 32, which is an interesting sailboat, with more SA/D than these ones, but it is only a 30.7ft yacht that does not offer the interior comfort these boats offer. It is a remake of the older 310 (a great boat), with a cheaper finish, a smaller boat that costs 8000 euros more than Bavaria, and only 5000 euros less than the Jeanneau 349. I talked about it here:

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

https://interestingsailboats.blogspot.com/2022/02/incredible-new-dufour-32.html

Dufour has also the 37, which, incredibly, is only a 32.8ft yacht, the same size as the Hanse 348, for instance. I have seen much misleading information provided by boat builders, but calling a 32.8ft sailboat a 37, beats them all!

The Dufour 37 is a hugely beamy boat, much more than the Oceanis (3.57 to 3.80) that tries to justify the name (37) by a big interior volume, not only due to the beam but because, contrary to the Oceanis, the bow entries are huge. An exercise about how much volume you can put on a given length, signed by Felci yachts, even if I doubt Felci himself designed such an aberration (as a sailboat).

The Dufour displaces 6737kg, has a 27.6%B/D on a 1.90m draft L cast iron bulbed keel and has a single rudder that has almost the same depth as the keel. The big rudder is necessary due to such a beamy hull. In this case, it is hard to understand why Felci did not opt for twin rudders (cost?). This rudder will be very exposed while med mooring.

The interior is nice, with as many cabinets as the Bavaria or the Hanse, with a pleasant design, but with a 16.8 SA/D, already with a genoa, this is a slow sailboat, that will not please anybody that likes sailing, but due to the huge interior volume will please those who want the more voluminous sailboat for the money, but don’t have the money for a cat.

And even so I don’t know about that, because at 156.000 €, I find it expensive, for what it offers, except if you really value interior volume above all things, and cannot have a longer boat.

The Dufour price will be increased by 9 000 euros if you want a backstay, a much-needed genoa, and a 3d system similar to the one offered by Jeanneau for genoa shape control.

I have not mentioned building differences between them because, being some of them models with some years on the market, the specifications I can find can be outdated, and after 5 or 6 years after its launch, hulls can be built in a different way, as I am almost sure it is the case for some. Anyway, the building materials and techniques are very similar.

They are built using monolithic hulls and equivalent quality polyester resins, being the internal structure typically or a kind of integral contre-moulle, in the French boats, and a monolithic integral grid on the german boats, using all plywood bulkheads and basically they have all parts put together by bonding agents. For now, you will have to check personally, and I would advise a visit to the shipyard because I am quite sure dealers will not know more than this.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Normally in this size of boat, there are fewer structural problems than in bigger boats: they flex less, the ballasts are a lot smaller, as well as the involved forces. Only if one wants to build a lighter sailboat (with the same strength), other materials, and techniques are justified (because they are much more expensive).

As an option to these you have better built, lighter and faster sailboats, with an interior volume smaller than the one offered by the Dufour and that are also more expensive, like the Salona 35 (34.1ft), the Elan E4 (34.8ft), the Dehler 34 (33.8ft) or the RM 970 (31.8ft). We will have a look at them in another post.

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Jeanneau vs Dufour: Which is a Better Sailiboat?

Jeanneau vs Dufour: Which is a Better Sailiboat?

Jeanneau has been around for more than 60 years, from 1967 to date, and has produced over 40 vessel models that comprise different outboard, inboard, sailboat, and yacht vessels.

Jeanneau is of French origin, with a boatyard in Les Herbiers in the Vendee. They are monohulls specialists with the Lagoon brand producing their multihulls catamarans. This Company joined up in partnership with Groupe Beneteau in 1995 and created Jeanneau America in 1996. Under their belt are many accolades celebrating the uniqueness and superiority of their vessels, such as the Sun Fast 3200, which was designed by Daniel Andrieu that went on to win the ‘European Yacht of the Year 2008’. The Sun Odyssey series, especially 440, 490, and 410, have all won international awards all over the world.

Dufour Yachts is a French-based accolade-winning boatyard that makes yacht cruisers and has been in the business for 50 years. Over many years of boat production with so many wins accounted for, the Dufour company went on ahead to make the Dufour 405 Grand Large which was elected ‘European Yacht of the Year’ in 2010. They were then acquired by the Bavaria Yacht Group. Other Dufour boats that went ahead to win accolades include the Dufour 36p, named ‘European Boat of the Year’ and ‘Sailing World Magazine Boat of the Year 2013’, and the Dufour 500, which also made the ‘Cruising World Magazine of the Year’ in 2014 amongst many others. Lately, in 2018 Fountaine Pajot acquired Dufour Yachts and is still their leadership to date.

Jeanneau vs Dufour – The Comparison

To decide which is the better of the two companies, we shall be comparing each one of their flagship cruisers. We have for the Dufour Yachts the Dufour 61 and the Jeanneau 60 representing the Jeanneau. As usual, these vessels are chosen because of their similarities to monohulls and sailboats, and most importantly, they are nearly the same length; each is in the 60-foot to 65-foot range. Also, apart from being flagships, their release dates are both within the current decade.

Built Quality

The Jeanneau 60 is a true beauty, and her new look is a testimony to the innovation and dedication of the Jeanneau to continue revolutionizing cruise sailing. Her elongated silhouette, combined with the utility its interior layout provides, has enabled her to suit whatever cruising style she is put to. While it was Andrew Winch who fiddled with and created a near-perfect balance on the interior of the J 50, Phillipe Briand has seen to it that the architecture is and will remain one to reckon with when uniqueness, elegance, strength, and durability is mentioned. 

Dufour 61 has the combined grace of comfort and performance with an exquisitely new design. One could see that it was crafted according to Dufour traditions and promises luxury, simplicity, and great performance. It was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

Out on the Dufour 61 deck, the cockpit sits free with the option of having a large center sundeck. Generally, there are two different galley layouts available to choose from, and no matter which you choose, space and ample natural light are guaranteed to be sufficient. The layout that puts the galley in the fore interconnects with the cabins, while the one located on the lengthwise portside seems to give off a chef’s office’s aura and also creates a lot of room for a large saloon.

The 61 offers 3 or 4 cabins and the option to have the skipper’s cabin situated at the forepeak at the expense of the sail locker. It has a minimum of three heads, with one built into the master cabin. The master cabin has both storage space and headroom advantages and offers total privacy from the other parts of the boat.

Jeanneau 60 interior sports 3 different layouts for its living space and heads, namely: 3 cabins with 3 heads, 4 cabins with 4 heads, or 5 cabins with 3 heads. The three styles available for trimming the beds and headboards are sand, affogato, and royal blue. The galley’s position has, however, been moved forward to the mast bulkhead in order to create an even roomier saloon in the hull’s widest area. The woodwork of the interiors, galley, saloon and living spaces varies between white oak or the more appreciated teak (due to its color being more preserved), all open-pore and varnished, each with its complementing floorboards. The Foglizzo top-of-the-range leather can be provided in Duke and Lugano range.

Overall Design

The architect of this model is none other than Felci Yacht Design, a pro in the art of monolithic hull construction, a key feature that this model is graced to have. The hull at completion measures 60 feet lengthwise and is 18 feet wide. Its deck has been structured using polyester & fiberglass infusion. The deck layout of the Dufour 61 offers wide passageways for movement. The side decks, upon a quick observation, can easily be classified as wide, and there is a very easy way to exit the cockpit through the use of a small step that lies forward of the helm. All control lines are led aft such that there are no clutters on the deck; therefore, it appears satisfactorily neat. Its keel weighs 6.5 tons and is a fin-and-bulb type of keel.

The 60 Jeanneau is a masterpiece conceived by the masterminds of yacht architecture and design, Phillipe Briand of Phillipe Briand Yacht design, and the Winch Design boss, Andrew Winch. This baby was made to have a variation on the keel; therefore, you can either have the deep keel draft version or the shoal keel. 

Much can be said about the decks; an extra inch added to its sides would make it sufficient for a singles sprint, but as it is, it sure does allow easy movement from the foredeck to the cockpit. Cushions and canvasses that grace the very spacious cockpit are of grey and graphite ambiances, alongside its multi-purpose tables and seats that will easily seat many. Her standard keel draught is 8 feet and 4 inches, while when it is shallow, it is 6 feet and 8 inches.

Dufour or Jeanneau

>>Also Read: Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which Sailboat is Better?

Sailworthiness

A seaworthy vessel is one that has been made to meet the expectations of any daring seafarer, and this new exotic Dufour is not found wanting in any aspect, strength, comfort, durability, and performance. Its hull and supporting architecture are of monolithic infused fabrication; the bulwark is directly integrated into the boat’s hull, resulting in a very stiff hull, strong enough to withstand high-pressure elements in the deep waters. 

On the side of comfort, a feature that must not be put aside while talking about a vessel’s seaworthiness, a smaller coach roof was implemented, thus making way for a larger foredeck, and consequently, natural light can enter in abundance into the below decks through the many windows.

Neither does the J 60 model fail to meet every expectation required of it by her builders and owners; with innovation and a sophisticated aesthetic, this model ushers in beauty from a new era and more sophistication to meet every seaworthy checklist.

Performance

Talking about the general specifications that determine the efficiency and performance of the 61 models, we look at the engine power that powers the beauty, a 180 horsepower engine and an efficient fuel capacity of 206 gallons. The water capacity is measured at 232 gallons. Its sail area is at 1,706 square feet, mainsail 1,119.4 square feet, and the genoa is at 710.4 square feet, while the draft is 9.19 feet. 

Jeanneau 60 also contends for the chief among the two in terms of performance with its monohull and total displacement at 44,467 pounds and a draft with a depth of 8 feet and 4 inches. Bearing in mind that this seafarer’s overall length is just 60 feet and its hull 17 foot and an inch wide in imperial calculations. The standard option of this beautiful cruiser is egged on by a Yanmar /110CV engine that produces a maximum of 108.6 horsepower or 80-kilowatt power to keep the boat on the go and is juiced by the fuel stored in an 84-gallon volume fuel tank. The water capacity is just slightly above that at 1 x 100 gallons.

>>Also Read: Jeanneau 64 Review

Jeanneau vs Dufour – Summary

I just love how the Jeanneau cuts into the water, and it is not news that the Jeanneau 60s dominate this line of commercial vessels. The Dufour 61, in all its style and vintage design, sure has its work cut out for it. We can see for a fact that the Dufour will definitely sail longer before needing a refill of any kind, be it water or fuel, and to us, this is an added advantage for people that intend to go farther into the water without having to worry so much about such mundanities.

Peter

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Interesting Sailboats

Wednesday, may 20, 2020, beneteau, jeanneau, dufour, bavaria, hanse: building and design.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

21 comments:

Incredible article! You made it easy to understand construction and cost differences in yacht manufacturing. Certainly not something you can easily read in mainstream publications! Thank you for your excellent work!

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

'You get what you pay for' still holds true, although with sailboats it's a bit harder to assess what you really get. Therefore, your article is important and helpful. Congratulations, it's an excellent piece! IMO the so-called mass-producers have good reasons to specify and build boats the way they are doing it. After all, there is a lot of demand for what I call floating condos with minimal sailing capabilities. Fortunately, there are alternatives available for those who care ... and have the cash to pay the difference. Best, Markus

Viva Paulo, que maravilha de artigo. Sigo o seu blog já uns bons tempos e é de longe um dos melhores e honestos blogs que já vi sobre Veleiros. Muito Obrigado por ensinar e ajudar a compreender melhor o lado menos conhecido da construção dos veleiros tão famosamente eleitos como o Veleiro do Ano... Dá que pensar! Paulo Rodrigues

olá Paulo, sem dúvida seu xará Paulo está fazendo um ótimo trabalho. eu também estou acompanhando o blog dele faz tempo e já aprendi muita coisa ... ;-) abcs, Markus

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Great article because it identifies a very important issue; value for money. Few people can afford the yacht of their dreams, but can be very happy with a boat that is more than adequate for their needs.

Great article indeed! Very helpful to better understand value in a very much "invisible" area... and with great technical insights. Well done, thanks!

Clear as usual, I think anyone want to buy a boat should read your blog first. Regarding the sandwich construction, many reported heavy problems in case of undetected water entry between the layers, with huge repairing cost. May be for a cruising boat, where some kg more in the hull is not an issue, a single skin well reinforced can have some advantages?

Hi Fillipo, when you say "water entry between the layers" I assume you mean water ingress to the core. The only way that can happen is trough outer skin damage or due to low quality gel coat/paint and polyester resin over the time (osmosis), and when I'm saying over the time I mean years and years. Vinylester and Epoxy resins don't have that problem Water ingress in the core is only a "big problem" in wood core like balsa core or plywood but not in close cells foam. When you say single skin can have some advantages over sandwich construction, the only way to compare both structures is to know the lay up applied in both cases, something nearly realisticly impossible. In same areas of the boat single skin is preferred over sandwich structures, some others, the contrary. Just an opinion ;) FRS

Great article!!! There is one detail can be used to see if a boat have been constructed for real sailing: the situation and length of the mainsheet track. I am pretty sure than in almost all the boats of this blog is in the pope and it is long. :-)

Great read thank you. There is one discrepancy you state " All mass production brands use deck steeped masts with compression posts". Dehler 38SQ and Dehler 42 both have kill stepped masts.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Hi, Your post entered the first time but it needs to be approved (lots of spam). You have to wait for that to be done for being published. I don't consider Dehler a mass production brand. The number of boats manufactured by year does not qualify it as that. I would say that is a medium production brand, like Grand Soleil for instance, that on the more sportive range, performance cruisers like Dehler, also use keel steeped masts. Almost all brands that make real performance cruisers, or cruiser racers, use keel stepped masts on their models, but none of these brands is a mass production brand.

Hi Paulo. Thank you for your response and clarification. Good to hear you do not consider Dehler as mass production brand. Funny enough they are owned by Hanse and produced is Hanse yard. You discussed Hanse and Dehler in you article along other makes and as a reader I was under impression you were. I keep enjoying reading your blog.

Hi Thomas, yes Dehler belong to Hanse group but they have a separated management, a bit like Grand Soleil belonged to Bavaria group (some years back), or as Nautitech belongs now to Bavaria group. Separated brands belonging to the same group. Nice to hear from you and sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but on the title of the article is clear what are the brands I am referring as mass production builders.

Also the Bavaria C57 is keel stepped.

Hi great insight and whilst been sailing sometime never really thought about construction just what the wife likes from the boat shows. Just put the deposit down on a Bavaria C57 and after checking she has a vacuum sealed foam core, solid GRP bottom and bonded stringers along with a keel step mast. Phew!

Hi Paulo, very interesting article. Small friendly correction from a true fan. The Hanse 458 comes with a sandwich hull, including a core-mat, which I guess is some high density foam as opposed to balsa, and an exterior vinyl ester, between the external GRP laminate and the gelcoat. This seems very similar to the build of Dehler, including for the bonded and laminated grid. I wonder what is your thinking and I pray for the new Hanse 460 to be built alike. Let's see. Cheers and goodspeed

They say that on the brochure but on the document that matters, the specifications, they say it is monolithic. Or it is an unacceptable error on the specifications, or more likely they used some parts of the brochure of the previous 45ft, that had in fact a sandwich hull. You can download the specifications on this page:http://hanseyachts.hr/range/hanse-458/#info

Thank you for this really great and informative article!

I think you try to explain building techniques and materials - but you miss to explain that the cost of a hull is around %30 of the total cost of a ready to sail boat. The interior of the "higher brands" is made of better, rounded, woods. that costs a lot more to build than plywood interior of French and German. I do not agree that Swedish or Germans and French sailboats hulls are built to last. You dont read them sunk or insurance prices in europe would shoot up. Bavaria now (2021) builds hand-laid for sailboats .. no more infusion. What i mean, they change their building methods (all the time more or less the same technologies tough) depending on the circumstances of the industry at that time. In the case of impact with a solid object, I do not believe a HR, Malo, X-Yacht compared to a French or German boat would have significantly different outputs. Their interior and deck fittings, very different. That is where the pricing differs.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Very good article (despite your complicated syntax :)

Fantastic article!! Thank you!!

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

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beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

We built with you in mind for over 138 years. We’ve transformed living spaces and the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace. Since 1884, BENETEAU's philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every FIRST, FIRST SE, FIGARO, OCEANIS, and OCEANIS YACHT built today.  

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

The  world reference  in cruising. Oceanis is our range of long-distance, blue water cruisers that for years has set the standard for sailboat design and construction, with a hull that is a marvel in hydrodynamics,  Oceanis delivers superior performance  while providing stability and safety while under sail. Despite her strong sea legs, she doesn’t sacrifice luxury and comfort. You can choose your layout based on different configurations below deck and also have  your choice  of interior finishes. Your Oceanis will be a joy to sail and be  your home away from home . The Oceanis range continues to  appeal to all sailors  around the world.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

Oceanis Yacht

The  Oceanis Yacht  is the culmination of our Oceanis philosophy where cruising comfort, performance, and customization reign supreme. Her elegant design and luxurious interiors add a new dimension to life at sea with an enormous salon, impressive galley, spacious staterooms, and plenty of ambient light from the many large windows and skylights. Despite her lavish details, our Oceanis Yacht maneuvers as easily as a smaller yacht thanks to a perfectly centered sail plan and twin rudders. She is a yacht that represents the  art of sailing  at its regal best.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

40 years of iconic  brand heritage. The signature features of the FIRST range have not changed since its conception in 1977 – these boats have always been designed for  sailors  who enjoy club racing as much as cruising, joining them into one cohesive product line, the proverbial  best  of both worlds. Today, BENETEAU takes another step in this direction with the launch of the new FIRST range.  These boats offer simplicity, performances, and comfortable interiors and cockpits geared towards daysailing and coastal cruising. Renewing the competition spirit of the brand, they represent a true adaptation to the  needs and expectations  of the widest variety of sailors.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

High-tech performance from the cutting edge of racing into the hands of the recreational sailors.  First SE - Seascape Edition encourages and empowers sailors to expand their comfort zone by joining competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing . It grows a community of owners linked by shared values and a drive to strengthen their sailing skills. Whether owners are racing against others in one-design classes or are engaging in adventure sailing, the First SE connects them to the elements and helps them experience nature in the most authentic way. A carbon rig, laminate sails and other technological features give sailors the ultimate sailing experience, performance and control.

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

A true legend. The Figaro is an ode to excellence in offshore racing. The one-design sailing yacht was initially designed for the Solitaire du Figaro, allowing some of the greatest skippers to compete at sea on equal terms, much to their pleasure. The sailor makes the difference on a Figaro.   

beneteau vs jeanneau sailboats

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Are you looking for a  sailing yacht dealer ? Leisure boating, short trips, competitive sailing, regattas – whatever type of sailing you like, BENETEAU has a wide range of  sailing yachts  and  luxury yachts , so there’s bound to be a boat to fulfill your dreams. 

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We built our first sailboats over 138 years ago and many things have changed since then. The oak we once relied on has been replaced with strong but lightweight resin and carbon fiber. Where canvas once caught the wind, now it’s Kevlar and Vectran. We’ve transformed dark, confining salons and cabins into bright, open living spaces. And the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace.

However, some things haven’t changed and never will. Benjamin BENETEAU’s philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every FIRST, FIGARO, OCEANIS, and OCEANIS YACHT built today.  

Knowing what to keep and what to change – that’s why BENETEAU continues to set the bar in sailing.

OCEANIS: THE BEST SELLER

Oceanis is our range of long-distance, blue water cruisers and for years has set the standard for sailboat design and construction. With a hull that is a marvel in hydrodynamics, Oceanis delivers superior performance while providing stability and safety under sail. Despite her strong sea legs, she doesn’t sacrifice luxury and comfort. You can choose your layout based on different configurations below deck and also have your choice of interior finishes. Your Oceanis will be a joy to sail and be your home away from home.

OCEANIS YACHTS:LUXURY YACHTS

BENETEAU is also there to help you buy a top-quality boat. The OCEANIS Yacht line delivers  luxury sailing yachts  that satisfy this requirement perfectly. The line comprises two luxury craft of over 50 feet, designed by renowned architects and designers. 

FIRST: ICONIC PERFORMANCE SAILING

 Our 7th generation of the First range offers you the experience of pure sailing joy while staying true to our standards for safety and stability. She is lightweight with a streamlined design, making her highly adaptable to whatever the wind and water have in store. The First is fast but forgiving, spicy but safe – perfect for the thrill-seeking novice or seasoned competitive sailor alike.

FIRST SE RANGE: HIGH PERFORMANCE YACHTS

First SE - Seascape Edition encourages and empowers sailors to expand their comfort zone by joining competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing. It grows a community of owners linked by shared values and a drive to strengthen their sailing skills. Whether owners are racing against others in one-design classes or are engaging in adventure sailing, the First SE connects them to the elements and helps them experience nature in the most authentic way.

FIGARO: OFFSHORE AND PROFESSIONAL RACING

A marvel in racing innovation, the Figaro BENETEAU 3 is the first production foiling one-design monohull to ever grace the seas. Designed in collaboration between BENETEAU and Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (the architects of the last two Vendée Globe winners), her greatest and most visible feature is the inverted foiling system created to reduce drift and improve the righting moment without increasing movement. The Figaro BENETEAU 3’s radical design makes her the logical choice when winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.

SAILING YACHTS SAILING THE FIVE OCEANS 

This diversity has led to the BENETEAU brand being represented on all the world’s seas. But wherever they are, BENETEAU boats are easily recognizable for their taut lines, innovative design, robustness and performance. No doubt this will continue, since BENETEAU is constantly reinventing itself to provide ever more enjoyable, high performing, safe and user-friendly recreational craft. BENETEAU achieves this by making the most of current and future innovations such as ship control, dock and go, foils, etc.

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  2. Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better?

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  1. Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better?

    Buyer's Guide Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better? By Peter 13 mins read I want to start this article by saying that both Beneteau and Jeanneau produce fine boats built to high standards, and you can't go wrong either way.

  2. Beneteau Vs Jeanneau (6 Detailed Facts)

    Budget: Beneteau sailboats are typically more expensive than Jeanneau sailboats. If you're working with a limited budget, Jeanneau may be the better option. Size: Beneteau offers a wider range of size options than Jeanneau. If you're looking for a specific size of sailboat, Beneteau is likely to have what you're looking for. Style:

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    Beneteau u000bHi allu000bu000bI have been asked what is the difference between Jeanneau and beneteauu000bespecially in the high range, i.e.. 49 feet & up (mainly SO 49 & 54 and theu000bcomparable in Beneteau 47 & 57) - fully loaded yacht with full packageu000bOverall comments, if possible from owners with experience in both models.u000bI am look...

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  10. Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Which One Should I Choose?

    Features Now, it's time to take a look at some key features that distinguish Beneteau from Jeanneau. One feature that stands out in Beneteau boats is its Dock & Go System, which eliminates the need to guide your boat into the dock manually. This novel creation solves the problem of controlling your boat in tight places.

  11. Beneteau vs. Jeanneau?

    Jeanneau and Beneteau boats from around 42 to 50 ft are all built at Cholet, was there only 2 weeks ago, they are all on the same production line. I was informed there are different factories for 50 plus feet and less than 40 ish feet, can't quite remember the exact size. Building boats of a similar size on the same production line is the most ...

  12. How to compare Jeanneau Vs. Beneteau

    Hi all\u000B\u000BI have been asked what is the difference between Jeanneau and beneteau\u000Bespecially in the high range, i.e.. 49 feet & up (mainly SO 49 & 54 and the\u000Bcomparable in Beneteau 47 & 57) - fully loaded yacht with full package\u000BOverall comments, if possible from owners with experience in both...

  13. Beneteau Sailboats: Explore the brand

    Here are some of the notable competitors in the sailboat market: Jeanneau: Like Beneteau, Jeanneau is a French brand often considered one of Beneteau's closest competitors. They offer a similar range of sailboats known for quality and performance. Interestingly, Beneteau and Jeanneau are part of the same parent group, Groupe Beneteau.

  14. Jeanneau vs Beneteau

    Location: Texas, USA. Boat: Jeanneau 44DS. Posts: 261. Re: Jeanneau vs Beneteau. Quote: Originally Posted by J2014. Hi Polux, I though the 509 and 50DS have the same hull. That's what I read about the 409 and 41 DS. The 50DS is the last production hull of the previous generation (if you exclude the 53 and 57).

  15. Beneteau vs. Jeanneau

    221 posts · Joined 2006. #8 · Feb 24, 2007. They don't feel the same. After sailing both brands of various sizes, I prefer the Jeanneau because it feels much better undersail. The Beneteau is more tender, heels more and does not track as well. The only exception was a B505 which seemed much better.

  16. 10 Best Sailboats For Circumnavigation

    1. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS sunrise_sail Starting off our list with one of the strongest contenders, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS certainly ticks the luxury box. What's impressive is just how visually striking and spacious the 54DS is. It has big, swooping curves that give this sailboat a really distinctive shape.

  17. Beneteau Oceanis 37 vs Jeanneau SO 379

    The hull lenght of the Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 36' 6". Regarding Overall length, the Jeanneau has 37'2" and the Oceanis 37'8". So if you think you can call the 379 a 37ft, you have to call the Oceanis 37 a 38fter. But in reality, according with the way boats are measured, the 379 is a 36ft boat and the Oceanis 37 is a 37ft boat.

  18. BAVARIA, BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, HANSE or DUFOUR?

    Beneteau offers the Oceanis 34.1 which is also a 32.7ft boat, also designed by Marc Lombard. It has a very different hull than the Jeanneau, basically because it is much beamier (3.57m to 3.44m). It displaces just a bit more (5470kg to 5340), for a smaller 28.9%B/D, on a similar L cast iron keel with the same draft (2.00).

  19. Jeanneau vs Dufour: Which is a Better Sailiboat?

    Buyer's Guide Jeanneau vs Dufour: Which is a Better Sailiboat? By Peter 12 mins read Jeanneau has been around for more than 60 years, from 1967 to date, and has produced over 40 vessel models that comprise different outboard, inboard, sailboat, and yacht vessels. Jeanneau is of French origin, with a boatyard in Les Herbiers in the Vendee.

  20. BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, DUFOUR, BAVARIA, HANSE: BUILDING AND DESIGN

    Jeanneau is from them the one that consistently chose to have less beamy models, generally with a better performance in light wind and upwind in fair weather. Upwind with strong weather they are almost as bad as the others because the B/D is as low as on the other brands, not allowing power to cope with stronger upwind conditions.

  21. Jeanneau vs beneteau : r/BeneteauOB

    If this is the universe of boats that you are considering, you can't go wrong with either. Beneteau is the parent company of Jeanneau. The organization is equally committed to building great boats that sail and perform well. A lot of it will come down to appeal. We have a Jeanneau DS50, but equally found the Oceanis 50 attractive.

  22. BENETEAU

    Sailboats. We built with you in mind for over 138 years. We've transformed living spaces and the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace. Since 1884, BENETEAU's philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well.