When I was shopping 3 years ago, I was sure I wanted a heavy, go-anywhere boat with lots of "real wood." The more I looked, the more I realized what I really wanted was a coastal cruiser that would be fun to sail, but comfortable for friends and family in a harbor. I ended up with a 2009 Jeanneau 39i and am very happy with it. I agree with you about the "Ikea interior," but she's fast, comfortable, and more than capable of doing the kind of sailing I like to do safely. Oh, and the twin helm is life-changing.
Some pointes for the ideal cruiser: Must be sailable singel handed. Make Sire you are nog dependable on crew. Site: Max 40-42 fit. Weight of sails, height of mast; wear of gear like.sheets, winches ,sails. Sailing Costs over 40 ft is high. Air draft Max 20meters. Twin ridders, fold out bow thruster, sails well in light wind as that is the case in 85% Centerboard, I love the idea but have no experience. Aluminium hull. There is so Munch debris in the water! Cutter rig, code 0, gennaker.spi boom and sailable dinghy on board Dry out easely Twin helm Sterling = wider sturn=more
This July we moved aboard a beneteau 45 with my family (wife and two kids 6 and 11). We got her in Lake Champlain in Canada and are currently in the Bahamas. Yes the transom is great but the sailing is where she shines. We do about the same speed as a similar size Cat.
An interesting choice . As I live in NZ and the average sea state is what most bloggers call extreme . From NZ to Fiji is a large undertaking & many boats have sold it short . But also not forgetting the NZ coast line is not very forgiving , you don't dive for a sheltered inlet in bad weather , you head off shore & into deeper water . Off the continental shelf & a good sea anchor is a wise choice . From the blogs , an Island packet 42 or a 38 would be my choice . Your thoughts .
Based on where you live and sail your choice makes perfect sense. But for the Great Lakes, US east coast and the Caribbean the Beneteau is a much better choice. It really depends on where you are sailing and what you want to do. Then you choose the boat that fits that. There is a reason there are so many Beneteau's, Catalina's, Jeanneau's and Hunters in the Caribbean and not so many "Blue Water" boats.
Good one this was. As a student I kept hearing this from every direction that almost all design decisions - especially about vehicles - are compromises and tradeoffs. I like that you picked something that you clearly see the faults of too. And let's get real: everyone could pick a super boat should price not matter - but it absolutely does. In many ways (time to gather, compromises on personal values for the work you gotta do to get the money, unbearable insurances once the boat is yours etc). I like your approach here.
The Beneteau 45 blew me away when I saw it. I 100% agree with you that "this is the one to get", except... I'm older and I want my wife to be comfortable on the boat so I've been looking at boats with a greater "comfort factor". Even a pilot house. I'm thinking that 10% or even 20% slower in speed is worth the comfort. There's a boat for everyone though. Merry Christmas!
You are putting out the most informative and useful sailing channel. So much better than following someone’s “family vacations” which gets very old and is played out imo.
I'm with you. When that transom is open, the living space is hard to beat for the price. A friend has one, pretty comfortable. Sailing wise...Good enough!
We discovered your channel last winter after we bought our first sailboat in January, while we waited for Ontario to unfreeze we followed your adventures and have loved learning about all the different boats. I'd already landed on the Oceanis 45 as a potential cruiser upgrade, and thought... oh but what would Tim say? I'm so happy to see that it's Tim approved!!!!
We absolutely love our Beneteau First 36.7, it’s been the perfect boat for us through 10,000 miles of hardcore racing and cruising. Not a new leak or crack since the day we bought her.
Love what you’re doing on the channel. The lifestyle RUclips channels work and are entertaining but what you have been doing over the last year or so has me hooked. We just bought our first boat (Catalina 350) and the family is loving it. We keep her on Lake Pepin and hope to start cursing when we retire. Best of luck with your future plans. Love the channel
I am glad they make a lot of different boat with various styles and designs everyone has a different opinion on what make a perfect boat for each person. I enjoyed the reasons why this a perfect boat for you.
I only wish the biggest manufacturers weren't all crowding around the same basic design parameters. With a handful of exceptions, it seems like everyone's moving in the direction of sloops with plumb bows and beams carried all the way back to the transom with wide, super-exposed cockpits, twin spade rudders, and bolted-on high aspect fin keels.
First, I want to join others i want to join others in saying that I really appreciate the "information" approach you have taken for this phase of the channel. Not only the history and details of the boats that you have carefully researched but also the founders of the companies that conceived and built them. Great work. But second, I must say I really like the OC 45's as well. I wish I had the budget for a 45 Catamaran but the Oceanis offers a similar open concept feel to the interior and cockpit. By the way when you were describing the cookie cutter IKEA like interior I just loved how you stated "I just don't care" at 8:09. Very funny - and I agree. Thanks for putting together episodes that are direct and honest!
I'm so confused. My history is racing dinghys, light cats, and racing monohull keelboats. Light, fast and hard work. We had 11 headsails on the last keelboat I raced. I want to go cruising in BVI, USVI and Puerto Rico. I may do an ocean crossing. Island Packets look amazing. I'm not sure I can tolerate sailing that slow. Beneteau First is somewhat appealing. I'm not sure I want to do an ocean crossing on a First. I'm so confused.
I love what you've done with the channel, the only problem is, you don't have enough time to review all the boats that I am interested in. My only problem with Beneteau is that I don't think the interior is even up to Ikea standards. It is very similar to other European production boats (Jeanneau, Bavaria), but not as nice as the Catalina's and Hunters, which aren't spectacular. I like the space and the island master and don't have other problems with them being Beneteau's, but I want to circumnavigate and think I would be spending too much time in the cabin to not like it.
I have been watching Expedition Evans along with Lady K Sailing. They bought a wrecked Oceanis 49 at auction and did all the repairs and got her re-certified. Im really starting to like this boat. It seems soo wide inside and looks very roomy. They have lots of good views of the interior lay out and construction in their videos that may help you make up your mind on one. Like you said yourself find the boat that checks those boxes and you should be happy (at least until you find more boxes to check). All of the other sailing channels on my list are sailing Cats The most interesting of which is the aluminum Cyber 48 Jupiter II featured on Sailing Jupiter designed by Mumby which has already been 1/2 way around the world and just recently motored past your own harbor doing the Great circle. Another channel I am going to be paying attention to will be Sailing La Vagabond when they pick up their Rapido 60 Trimaran. Im enjoying your channel because its interesting and you are local. Take care and see you again soon.
I liked Evans when they were rebuilding the boat but after that I feel the channel went downhill, it became too much of "look at me and see how pretty I am" and not enough about sailing or the boat.
LOL, a blue water sailboat purest coming to grips with sometimes a "production" boat is the way to go.. Sadly, the vee birth is not the most comfortable place for the master cabin in anything but the most calmest of seas.. Also be sure to thoroughly check out the keel (reference Expedition Evans).. Other than that, the 45 Oceanis' is a nice boat.. Thanks for "seeing" past the blue water bias and considering the Beneteau.. flk k
$300,000 is a lot of scratch, more than most can swing. For less than half of that you can buy an Oceanis that is a few years older, with an open transom and add your own folding platform. Not rocket science. You will have avoided the lion's share of depreciation and tax.
I have a Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK 1989 owners version. Only has a 4’1 draft, she is fast. Put 7200nm on it. I was looking at Hylas 54 2003 swing bronze keel as my retire boat, but saw a RUclips on this 2009 Hunter 50cc, wife saw the Jacuzzi and the kitchen and price just flipped. By the way you might want to make this mod to your boat or any boat. Fresh water Rinse layup and Emergency Bilge Pump. On Starlight 1989 Beneteau Oceanis 350 has a Volvo Penta engine M2003 28hp anyway I was the second owner, so after I purchased the boat I was doing the shakedown cruise and ran the engine for about an hour and the overheated alarm went off , could not find a problem, cutting too the chase lots of growth and calcification of the tubes in the heat exchanger. Had too take the entire unit clean it and put it back, never wanted to do that again figured was not the use rather the extended, layup with saltwater, also the corrosion factor of the elbow, had to replace that. So as a solution I cam up with this manifold I constructed with brass and bronze fittings and ball valves for each connection, from the thru hull , to the manifold, ball on the thru hull and on the manifold did the same at the on end valve to the sea strainer to the engine, next thru hull, pressure fresh water, and at the other end again valve to a run to the bilge. This allows me to turn on the fresh water, backwash the thru hull, then shutoff and run the engine for 2 minutes on fresh water before shutting down the engine for the night or an extended time. It also in the final configuration allows me to bring to bear as an emergency pump, on my main bilge the engine, if there is a major leak in the boat that bilge pumps cannot handle for whatever reason, (lightning strikes) etc. I often use the fresh water system when she is on the hard, and I need to run the engine, like changing oil, etc. I have 100 gallons of water on Starlight, you should see the looks I get in the yard with no hose, on the hard, yet engine running and water from the exhaust and prop shaft running out. In 20 years have not had any overheating issues or had to deal with the heat exchanger or the elbow, which is notorious on Volvos.. Bravo Zulu too your channel, if you’re out on Long Island look me up, will have dinner on me..
I think the Beneteau 45 is a great choice...I may be a touch biased because I own a Beneteau but I am no fan boy by any means. Luckily of your two stated problems, on will solve the other. The size of the davits will be more than enough room to put your wattage requirements! Good luck in your search! Also, I have been enjoying the "info" centered episodes a lot! Very good information, very interesting stuff! Perhaps you could begin a series on some of the major sailing races and where they got their starts and whatnot. You could go forever and a day about the history of some of them.
So, you're damned if you do (Beneteau) or if you don't. It would be dishonest for you NOT to consider or love Oceanis 45. I would be name calling you out just for NOT admitting that it is the gold standard to which all other boats will be compared too. But, having watched a ton of your informative COVID content (which I've enjoyed endlessly, BTW), I even agree with the 'pooh pooh' ing of the marque. If memory serves, you indicated that Jenneau was more your speed. (That made me laugh inside, and, I'm 100% confident that it made you feel weird saying it!) But, unless you win the national lottery, YT starts paying content creators more (I mean alot more!) or a rich aunt dies suddenly- you aren't coming into the payloader size cash down payment desired to make the dream real. $300k is a very nice adult home- so, at least you are considering 'real money' to own a real modern boat. It's like finding a rare bird boat, sitting forlornly in a backwater boatyard that doesn't already have a line of buyers begging the disinterested owner in selling it- not happening, Tim! Yet- I dream and I hope you still do as well! I just saw a 2002 Puffin 42 for sale - in GREAT shape and she draws 3' 7" with the centerboard up! Smoking hot deal... alas, get in line behind me, Cap't Q. 1st Mate Ran-Day....
We've owned a Beneteau First Series and are now on our second Jeanneau. The French really know how to design boats for functionality and comfort, yet also as very good performers, using some of the best naval architects out there. Ferenc Mate featured the mid-1980's Beneteau line in his first volume of World's Best Sailboats. Build quality is strictly a function of price, so judgment of a particular manufacturer should always be done in that context. That being said, our current Jeanneau has done a total of thirteen Caribbean 1500 rallies with two side trips to Bermuda, so I don't worry too much about our boat not being considered "bluewater capable." Hope you are able to land one of these someday, Tim, Merry Christmas.
My 2 cents. If it makes you happy, fulfills your needs, and will not kill you, then no matter what build, it is the right boat for you. Screw the haters! Enjoy cruising YOUR WAY! That is why we Cruise!
⬆️⬆️⬆️ This is the correct and mature take. It's not the boat for me, but I won't begrudge anyone his happiness just because he made a different choice.
Stick to your wants. It's your lifestyle, your boat. Everyone is different and has different plans. You are going in with a lot more experience and information than most.
I’ve also been eyeing the exact same boat for the exact same reasons. What would you say to the naysayers that are concerned about your family‘s safety in the event of hitting something at cruising speed? Specifically the keel getting torn off?
If you impact something that's going to sink the boat, chances are it was during "regular sailing" (i.e. not during a storm) and you should be able to get into your liferaft and turn an EPIRB on. Long thin keels and rudders are more prone to damage than a full keel, but there is also safety in speed. Everything's a tradeoff. The biggest danger to a boat is bad weather. You can always avoid it by staying inshore or out running it, but sooner or later, you will find yourself in some bad weather. You MUST practice your bad weather tactics and understand what your boat can and can't do. Don't just sail in fair weather, get some bad weather experience too. I've always liked the expression that "the captain is the single most important factor that determines how safe a boat is."
I think it will be a good boat for you. Even though the bluewater boats are awesome. Not everyone does cross ocean sailing on a regular basis. From what I have seen you do, and your plans. It seems something like an Amel is just overkill.
My fantasy is to own a cruising sailboat. No, I have limited sailing experience. Yes, I’m older. 67 years old but in good shape. No, I’m not Rockefeller. It has to be rigged to sail singlehanded and enough room to live below comfortably. I live in Rhode Island, upper Narragansett Bay. What is your advice?
I'll start by saying that I like your channel... I have been an independent yacht broker for years as well as a yacht delivery skipper, and suggest that you should probably consider why an Oceanis 45 might be "affordable". My informed opinion is that these yachts are built to a price and are therefore not terribly robust. Also most of what you describe in this video as desirable features sounds like the description of a condominium. Yes they are comfy and are large volume for their length but unlike an apartment they exist in a corrosive and taxing environment. The huge volume below is indeed great at anchor but when conditions get rough it can quickly transform this palace into a spacious jumping castle, with far too few places to hold onto and a long way to fly. Sure they can cross an ocean or two and many do so without incident. What I have seen though as a yacht broker are the after effects when people sell their "dream boats" after a bit of cruising. These often have stressed hulls, broken fittings and fixtures and occasionally some really concerning other structural stuff. In the trade we refer to this style of yacht, not just Beneteau's, as "picnic yachts". Just sayin'...
I'm looking to buy a Beneteau 393. I don't care for the dual helms and it's a 2-cabin version - this boat is nearly perfect for my needs. For now, I'll be sailing the PNW & Puget Sound.
Love your channel. I got to bareboat an Oceanis 41.1. Hull seemed substantial, cockpit layout was great, sailed well, nice amenities for cruising, Yanmar diesel. All great. But....the boat wasn't that old and the interior quality was not good. Hardware already corroding, all press board interior with some cheap veneer, etc. etc. So if the interior was so poor in quality (visible items) what will the hidden things be like. So, for long term ownership, I think it would not be for me. And of course I'm assuming the 41.1 and 45 are cut from the same cloth.
Beneteau. Interesting. I sailed a Jeanneau 40 (yeah I know but close enough). Every 40 footer I've been on since seems cramped fore and aft. But looking into the bilge I see the same thing: The frame is glued to the hull. I don't see that in any other boat. It's how they can pay French wages and not have the boats cost two million Euros. Expedition Evans are two dumb kids who bought a Beneteau 50 for $25,000! Salvage: It had had a serious keel strike. One or two of the keel bolts were a bit bent - not bad, but the entire frame was shifted in the hull - it just separated. The kids did more grinding than you can possibly imagine then glassed/gusseted that frame to the hull. I'd go to sea in that boat. Bar none it is now the best Beneteau on the planet. The rest of Group Beneteau? There's the shockingly inept Lagoon 45 (and maybe the rest of their cats). The bulkheads in the Lagoon are criminally stupid. However, now that I'm looking for a 38-40 to sail for the next two years those Benes and Jeanneaus are looking a lot better. And I only intend to sail it for two years.... Yeah, okay you got me. The cabinetry inside the Beneteau in your video is terrible. It's Ikea. (I've ordered a Seawind - so not much better.) What I noticed about boats is there has to be a few really nice details inside that make your eye happy (or all windows.) One guy's boat I was in had all his stuff piled around, but there was this one shelf in the galley - that was enough to make it feel like a home instead of an airport hotel. For my Seawind I'm going to make my own table, good veneer, maybe hire a shop to do some nice inlay. Add a few wooden hand rails on the stairs to the hulls. Okay, I hit you up on PayPal.
I chartered an Oceanus 45 in Raiatea in Jan 2021. Here are my thoughts. No backrest at the helm. Very uncomfotable after about an hour. I like sitting behind the wheel. Fold down transom jammed constantly. No protection from being pooped. We had a spirited sail from Huahini to Raiatea and had water in the cockpit. The worst problem was the exposed rudder. I never once felt the rudder hit coral, but apparently we did, and it tore a 3" hole in the rudder. I would never sail in any boat with an exposed rudder in the tropics again.
If money was no object I could check off all the boxes but I still think I've arrived at a great vessel that checks off most of them that doesn't break the bank... Just small lake sailing for me... Catalina 400 gets er done..
I did is the answer to your episode title! I have raced small catamarans (Hobie16) competitively for the past 35 years and still do. Now at the age that we wanted something to bay hope and coastal cruise in Queensland Australia. There is no perfect boat, just one that works for you most of the time. We settled on the Oceanis 45 (plastic production boat as they call it) for a lot of the reasons you mention. Fold down transom, massive cockpit, duel helm so you can steer from the leeward side, it’s not slow, super wide and plenty of comfort. In mast furling main, Genoa and furling code zero. 800AH of lithium with solar so plenty of power. Problem yet to be solved is davits, working on a non arch solution to lift the dinghy with outboard still on.
Never thought poorly of the Beneteau boats.. or cared much about what other people think. They are very popular for a reason. They tick a lot of boxes for most people, and look great still.
That beneteau 45 is a beautiful boat but do you really think it's $200k more boat than a slightly older hunter 42 passage? That's the bind I'm in right now but made easier by the fact I don't have $300k and unlike many I am keen on hunters. Lol.
I have noticed a trend in 24-30 foot racing boats of beam carried forward to a very blunt nose. See Sailing Frenchman channel. Kind of ugly, buf if that hull design was carried to a 40+ cruiser the interior space would be huge.
There is one boat in my marina which get my attention. Not an Oceanis! But is is a Frenchy, 9m standard variety. The Beneteau has everything I do not like. Fat arse, windage, and, yes, as you put it, it does tick numerous boxes. I find myself staring at it all the time. I understand.
Enjoy your content. If ever I win the lottery in a big way….yeah, your Beneteau will probably be on my list, too. Similar reasons to your own. Currently I’m on a pension in Canada, not likely to afford much more than a good dinghy or a tired, older boat. Oh, well
Love your channel, great vid. Do you think deals might be better in the med? I think YachtWorld shows better pricing of boats there. I’d love to hear thoughts on that.
When zi bought my boat some years ago, I lived by myself on the boat for a few years. Then my wife and I got together again, and now within a couple of years from retirement, Now and I wish I bought more than a 35 LOA boat. However, with all due respect, I did not buy my boat to entertain. Though I won't cross an ocean on it, I do plan on island hoping in the Bahamas and Caribbean as a reward for my 50 years plus of hard work. If I wanted to entertain, I'd be a Cat owner. One thing I dislike of Beneteau boats is how their rudders hang so unprotected. More power to you, captain. Fair winds
Wonder if some type of "protector" could be fabricated for that rudder because that's a when not an if. We have em for outboards on our steelhead rivers here in MI but they do affect performance. Not sure on a sailboat.
Funny I'm getting to the same conclusion on this model and then I come across your video about it. I guess we think alike. I'm just considering the Oceanis 48 as well .
Just discovered your channel . I would like to learn to sail and get a boat someday. Is there type of sailboat that's better for lakes vs ocean. Fyi your voice is perfect for presenting and teaching.
Excellent choice. The Oceanis 45 is a bit rich for me. I would love to get a Beneteau 473 2 cabin but I am thinking I will have to step down to a Beneteau 423 instead. Would love twin helm but Not sure I can swing it.
I’ve read a lot of opinions of “blue water” boats. It seems that nothing but the “best” is good enough for some people. Beneteau’s get snubbed by so many but I’d like to know what boat they own! It’s one thing to wish for a Rolls Royce but a minivan is what works best.
I still think you should write a book about the histories of these boat companies. You already have done more than enough to fill a book, put them all in and call it a historical encyclopedia. Make it pictorial as in coffee table book style, and it will sell outside of the west marine book racks, and into general bookstores as well, maybe even attracting new people to the hobby / lifestyle, and making it a more long term income stream than just having it at west marine or whatnot.
Why don't you also feature the keel if bolted or integrated with the body and if the rudder has a skeg? Am interested in a 64 jeanneau and in kraken 66 as long as it's an aft cockpit?
I am sure that Bene knows better what you need than you do. They sell conviviality and they sell a lot of it for very good reason. It’s not by chance that it ticks your boxes.
I've always had my eye on the Beneteau 39 or 40 with the two cabin layout and the aft galley. Roomy up and down. Great boat for two and a lot cheaper that the 45.
As a newbie beginner sailer. Does adding a dingie at the back and solar panel not make the boat to heavy at the back? Or do these big boats come with ballast that can be removed? Love to hear the answer.
Great choice and great episode! I'm looking for something similar myself. Are there other production models that check all the boxes for you? I kinda like the Jeanneau DS models.
We love our jeaneau 349. The interior design is larger than many 39/40 boats. We have the 2 cabin version. The “third” cabin is a garage and has a separate shower The 3 cabin version has a wet room. I wanted a separate shower
@@patriciapoot1180 That's a nice boat! There aren't many (any?) that size with two wheels AND a separate shower! I'd been thinking about something a little older and closer to 40ft, though with the chines you do get extra volume for the same length.
keel and rudder are no gos for me. for less money I can get a Morgan 44 in ready to go condition. I understand his reasoning though. we are looking for a Morgan 44 or similar. we want a good moderate displacement boat with good motion that can take care of itself in a blow.
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When I was shopping 3 years ago, I was sure I wanted a heavy, go-anywhere boat with lots of "real wood." The more I looked, the more I realized what I really wanted was a coastal cruiser that would be fun to sail, but comfortable for friends and family in a harbor. I ended up with a 2009 Jeanneau 39i and am very happy with it. I agree with you about the "Ikea interior," but she's fast, comfortable, and more than capable of doing the kind of sailing I like to do safely. Oh, and the twin helm is life-changing.
Some pointes for the ideal cruiser:
Must be sailable singel handed. Make Sire you are nog dependable on crew.
Site: Max 40-42 fit. Weight of sails, height of mast; wear of gear like.sheets, winches ,sails.
Sailing Costs over 40 ft is high.
Air draft Max 20meters.
Twin ridders, fold out bow thruster, sails well in light wind as that is the case in 85%
Centerboard, I love the idea but have no experience.
Aluminium hull. There is so Munch debris in the water!
Cutter rig, code 0, gennaker.spi boom and sailable dinghy on board
Dry out easely
Twin helm Sterling = wider sturn=more
This July we moved aboard a beneteau 45 with my family (wife and two kids 6 and 11). We got her in Lake Champlain in Canada and are currently in the Bahamas. Yes the transom is great but the sailing is where she shines. We do about the same speed as a similar size Cat.
Honestly, enjoying this content WAY more than most of the "sailing" channels. Lady K and Captain Q...
Wow, wasn’t expecting that! Wasn’t expecting you to say that $300k is affordable either! 😂
An interesting choice . As I live in NZ and the average sea state is what most bloggers call extreme . From NZ to Fiji is a large undertaking & many boats have sold it short . But also not forgetting the NZ coast line is not very forgiving , you don't dive for a sheltered inlet in bad weather , you head off shore & into deeper water . Off the continental shelf & a good sea anchor is a wise choice .
From the blogs , an Island packet 42 or a 38 would be my choice .
Your thoughts .
Based on where you live and sail your choice makes perfect sense. But for the Great Lakes, US east coast and the Caribbean the Beneteau is a much better choice. It really depends on where you are sailing and what you want to do. Then you choose the boat that fits that. There is a reason there are so many Beneteau's, Catalina's, Jeanneau's and Hunters in the Caribbean and not so many "Blue Water" boats.
Good one this was. As a student I kept hearing this from every direction that almost all design decisions - especially about vehicles - are compromises and tradeoffs. I like that you picked something that you clearly see the faults of too. And let's get real: everyone could pick a super boat should price not matter - but it absolutely does. In many ways (time to gather, compromises on personal values for the work you gotta do to get the money, unbearable insurances once the boat is yours etc). I like your approach here.
The Beneteau 45 blew me away when I saw it. I 100% agree with you that "this is the one to get", except... I'm older and I want my wife to be comfortable on the boat so I've been looking at boats with a greater "comfort factor". Even a pilot house. I'm thinking that 10% or even 20% slower in speed is worth the comfort. There's a boat for everyone though. Merry Christmas!
You are putting out the most informative and useful sailing channel. So much better than following someone’s “family vacations” which gets very old and is played out imo.
Beneteau Oceanis 45 with a Comfort Ratio
20.8 its a OO7 james bond boat = "shaken not stirred" .
I'm with you. When that transom is open, the living space is hard to beat for the price. A friend has one, pretty comfortable. Sailing wise...Good enough!
Oh hell no. Comfortable coastal cruiser, definitely. Blue water, hell no. That's obvious at a glance.
If you like the 45 oceanis you would love my new 2022 40.1 beneteau
We discovered your channel last winter after we bought our first sailboat in January, while we waited for Ontario to unfreeze we followed your adventures and have loved learning about all the different boats. I'd already landed on the Oceanis 45 as a potential cruiser upgrade, and thought... oh but what would Tim say? I'm so happy to see that it's Tim approved!!!!
We absolutely love our Beneteau First 36.7, it’s been the perfect boat for us through 10,000 miles of hardcore racing and cruising. Not a new leak or crack since the day we bought her.
Honestly, I knew you were going to say Beneteau before you said it. Now, pour me another Margarita...
Love what you’re doing on the channel.
The lifestyle RUclips channels work and are entertaining but what you have been doing over the last year or so has me hooked.
We just bought our first boat (Catalina 350) and the family is loving it. We keep her on Lake Pepin and hope to start cursing when we retire. Best of luck with your future plans.
Love the channel
"Cursing" is what it should be called ;)
I am glad they make a lot of different boat with various styles and designs everyone has a different opinion on what make a perfect boat for each person. I enjoyed the reasons why this a perfect boat for you.
I only wish the biggest manufacturers weren't all crowding around the same basic design parameters. With a handful of exceptions, it seems like everyone's moving in the direction of sloops with plumb bows and beams carried all the way back to the transom with wide, super-exposed cockpits, twin spade rudders, and bolted-on high aspect fin keels.
All I want for Christmas is a Hans Christian 48T :)
First, I want to join others i want to join others in saying that I really appreciate the "information" approach you have taken for this phase of the channel. Not only the history and details of the boats that you have carefully researched but also the founders of the companies that conceived and built them. Great work. But second, I must say I really like the OC 45's as well. I wish I had the budget for a 45 Catamaran but the Oceanis offers a similar open concept feel to the interior and cockpit. By the way when you were describing the cookie cutter IKEA like interior I just loved how you stated "I just don't care" at 8:09. Very funny - and I agree. Thanks for putting together episodes that are direct and honest!
I'm so confused. My history is racing dinghys, light cats, and racing monohull keelboats. Light, fast and hard work. We had 11 headsails on the last keelboat I raced. I want to go cruising in BVI, USVI and Puerto Rico. I may do an ocean crossing. Island Packets look amazing. I'm not sure I can tolerate sailing that slow. Beneteau First is somewhat appealing. I'm not sure I want to do an ocean crossing on a First. I'm so confused.
WHAT!!! What'z nexts greypoupon? Must be all that maple syrup money!
Truth be told I want one really bad!!!!! Lol hope you get one!
I love what you've done with the channel, the only problem is, you don't have enough time to review all the boats that I am interested in.
My only problem with Beneteau is that I don't think the interior is even up to Ikea standards. It is very similar to other European production boats (Jeanneau, Bavaria), but not as nice as the Catalina's and Hunters, which aren't spectacular. I like the space and the island master and don't have other problems with them being Beneteau's, but I want to circumnavigate and think I would be spending too much time in the cabin to not like it.
I think it is a great boat. I went from a Fountaine Pajot Lipari to a Jeanneau 440 which is a similar boat.
You can call it Special K. 😀
Snobbish? Give that Oceanis a Mohawk and nose ring. Make it weird. Make it your own.
I have been watching Expedition Evans along with Lady K Sailing. They bought a wrecked Oceanis 49 at auction and did all the repairs and got her re-certified. Im really starting to like this boat. It seems soo wide inside and looks very roomy. They have lots of good views of the interior lay out and construction in their videos that may help you make up your mind on one. Like you said yourself find the boat that checks those boxes and you should be happy (at least until you find more boxes to check). All of the other sailing channels on my list are sailing Cats The most interesting of which is the aluminum Cyber 48 Jupiter II featured on Sailing Jupiter designed by Mumby which has already been 1/2 way around the world and just recently motored past your own harbor doing the Great circle. Another channel I am going to be paying attention to will be Sailing La Vagabond when they pick up their Rapido 60 Trimaran. Im enjoying your channel because its interesting and you are local. Take care and see you again soon.
They are into the boat for what it’s worth, you can just buy one. That’s a huge boat btw
I liked Evans when they were rebuilding the boat but after that I feel the channel went downhill, it became too much of "look at me and see how pretty I am" and not enough about sailing or the boat.
LOL, a blue water sailboat purest coming to grips with sometimes a "production" boat is the way to go.. Sadly, the vee birth is not the most comfortable place for the master cabin in anything but the most calmest of seas.. Also be sure to thoroughly check out the keel (reference Expedition Evans).. Other than that, the 45 Oceanis' is a nice boat.. Thanks for "seeing" past the blue water bias and considering the Beneteau.. flk k
Great presentation of your reasons and your check the box thoughts. That's why we will keep watching and listening every week.
$300,000 is a lot of scratch, more than most can swing. For less than half of that you can buy an Oceanis that is a few years older, with an open transom and add your own folding platform. Not rocket science. You will have avoided the lion's share of depreciation and tax.
Not getting any negative comments from me. I’ll just be happy you’re on the water living the dream.
I have a Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK 1989 owners version. Only has a 4’1 draft, she is fast. Put 7200nm on it. I was looking at Hylas 54 2003 swing bronze keel as my retire boat, but saw a RUclips on this 2009 Hunter 50cc, wife saw the Jacuzzi and the kitchen and price just flipped. By the way you might want to make this mod to your boat or any boat. Fresh water Rinse layup and Emergency Bilge Pump.
On Starlight 1989 Beneteau Oceanis 350 has a Volvo Penta engine M2003 28hp anyway I was the second owner, so after I purchased the boat I was doing the shakedown cruise and ran the engine for about an hour and the overheated alarm went off , could not find a problem, cutting too the chase lots of growth and calcification of the tubes in the heat exchanger. Had too take the entire unit clean it and put it back, never wanted to do that again figured was not the use rather the extended, layup with saltwater, also the corrosion factor of the elbow, had to replace that. So as a solution I cam up with this manifold I constructed with brass and bronze fittings and ball valves for each connection, from the thru hull , to the manifold, ball on the thru hull and on the manifold did the same at the on end valve to the sea strainer to the engine, next thru hull, pressure fresh water, and at the other end again valve to a run to the bilge.
This allows me to turn on the fresh water, backwash the thru hull, then shutoff and run the engine for 2 minutes on fresh water before shutting down the engine for the night or an extended time. It also in the final configuration allows me to bring to bear as an emergency pump, on my main bilge the engine, if there is a major leak in the boat that bilge pumps cannot handle for whatever reason, (lightning strikes) etc. I often use the fresh water system when she is on the hard, and I need to run the engine, like changing oil, etc. I have 100 gallons of water on Starlight, you should see the looks I get in the yard with no hose, on the hard, yet engine running and water from the exhaust and prop shaft running out. In 20 years have not had any overheating issues or had to deal with the heat exchanger or the elbow, which is notorious on Volvos..
Bravo Zulu too your channel, if you’re out on Long Island look me up, will have dinner on me..
I didn't see that coming!
Glad to see you are a realist.
I think the Beneteau 45 is a great choice...I may be a touch biased because I own a Beneteau but I am no fan boy by any means. Luckily of your two stated problems, on will solve the other. The size of the davits will be more than enough room to put your wattage requirements! Good luck in your search!
Also, I have been enjoying the "info" centered episodes a lot! Very good information, very interesting stuff! Perhaps you could begin a series on some of the major sailing races and where they got their starts and whatnot. You could go forever and a day about the history of some of them.
So, you're damned if you do (Beneteau) or if you don't. It would be dishonest for you NOT to consider or love Oceanis 45. I would be name calling you out just for NOT admitting that it is the gold standard to which all other boats will be compared too. But, having watched a ton of your informative COVID content (which I've enjoyed endlessly, BTW), I even agree with the 'pooh pooh' ing of the marque. If memory serves, you indicated that Jenneau was more your speed. (That made me laugh inside, and, I'm 100% confident that it made you feel weird saying it!) But, unless you win the national lottery, YT starts paying content creators more (I mean alot more!) or a rich aunt dies suddenly- you aren't coming into the payloader size cash down payment desired to make the dream real. $300k is a very nice adult home- so, at least you are considering 'real money' to own a real modern boat. It's like finding a rare bird boat, sitting forlornly in a backwater boatyard that doesn't already have a line of buyers begging the disinterested owner in selling it- not happening, Tim! Yet- I dream and I hope you still do as well! I just saw a 2002 Puffin 42 for sale - in GREAT shape and she draws 3' 7" with the centerboard up! Smoking hot deal... alas, get in line behind me, Cap't Q. 1st Mate Ran-Day....
When I win the lottery that Puffin is mine.......
What is the big concern w/ crossing an ocean with the Oceanis? So many people have done and still do it all the time.
Merry Christmas Tim, Cali (the cutest little co-host), and the rest of the clan!
We've owned a Beneteau First Series and are now on our second Jeanneau. The French really know how to design boats for functionality and comfort, yet also as very good performers, using some of the best naval architects out there. Ferenc Mate featured the mid-1980's Beneteau line in his first volume of World's Best Sailboats. Build quality is strictly a function of price, so judgment of a particular manufacturer should always be done in that context. That being said, our current Jeanneau has done a total of thirteen Caribbean 1500 rallies with two side trips to Bermuda, so I don't worry too much about our boat not being considered "bluewater capable." Hope you are able to land one of these someday, Tim, Merry Christmas.
My 2 cents.
If it makes you happy, fulfills your needs, and will not kill you, then no matter what build, it is the right boat for you.
Screw the haters!
Enjoy cruising YOUR WAY!
That is why we Cruise!
⬆️⬆️⬆️ This is the correct and mature take. It's not the boat for me, but I won't begrudge anyone his happiness just because he made a different choice.
i like it, out of my price range but i'd join one as crew
I'm looking a getting a 2014 to 2017 Oceanis 55 , something with the "dock n go" system
Stick to your wants. It's your lifestyle, your boat. Everyone is different and has different plans. You are going in with a lot more experience and information than most.
I found my oceanis 45 video :)
I’ve also been eyeing the exact same boat for the exact same reasons. What would you say to the naysayers that are concerned about your family‘s safety in the event of hitting something at cruising speed? Specifically the keel getting torn off?
If you impact something that's going to sink the boat, chances are it was during "regular sailing" (i.e. not during a storm) and you should be able to get into your liferaft and turn an EPIRB on. Long thin keels and rudders are more prone to damage than a full keel, but there is also safety in speed. Everything's a tradeoff. The biggest danger to a boat is bad weather. You can always avoid it by staying inshore or out running it, but sooner or later, you will find yourself in some bad weather. You MUST practice your bad weather tactics and understand what your boat can and can't do. Don't just sail in fair weather, get some bad weather experience too. I've always liked the expression that "the captain is the single most important factor that determines how safe a boat is."
I think it will be a good boat for you. Even though the bluewater boats are awesome. Not everyone does cross ocean sailing on a regular basis. From what I have seen you do, and your plans. It seems something like an Amel is just overkill.
I just don’t like the arch or not having a traveler. I really think you are more of a First guy. But if it makes you happy go for it.
G'DAY...
On one of your shows you said " a few old Choy Lee's. I am thinking of, have fallen with...!!!
Choy Lee offshore 41.
What don't you like them
Is there something I should know ?
Saw it on Capt. Q. I plan to live on it in Perth AUS.
YOUR OPINION PLEASE !
Pete. Thanks
My fantasy is to own a cruising sailboat. No, I have limited sailing experience. Yes, I’m older. 67 years old but in good shape. No, I’m not Rockefeller. It has to be rigged to sail singlehanded and enough room to live below comfortably. I live in Rhode Island, upper Narragansett Bay. What is your advice?
Nothing wrong with that...
Love the oceanis. I think its an excellent choice
I'll start by saying that I like your channel...
I have been an independent yacht broker for years as well as a yacht delivery skipper, and suggest that you should probably consider why an Oceanis 45 might be "affordable". My informed opinion is that these yachts are built to a price and are therefore not terribly robust. Also most of what you describe in this video as desirable features sounds like the description of a condominium. Yes they are comfy and are large volume for their length but unlike an apartment they exist in a corrosive and taxing environment. The huge volume below is indeed great at anchor but when conditions get rough it can quickly transform this palace into a spacious jumping castle, with far too few places to hold onto and a long way to fly.
Sure they can cross an ocean or two and many do so without incident. What I have seen though as a yacht broker are the after effects when people sell their "dream boats" after a bit of cruising. These often have stressed hulls, broken fittings and fixtures and occasionally some really concerning other structural stuff.
In the trade we refer to this style of yacht, not just Beneteau's, as "picnic yachts".
Just sayin'...
I'm looking to buy a Beneteau 393. I don't care for the dual helms and it's a 2-cabin version - this boat is nearly perfect for my needs. For now, I'll be sailing the PNW & Puget Sound.
Love your channel. I got to bareboat an Oceanis 41.1. Hull seemed substantial, cockpit layout was great, sailed well, nice amenities for cruising, Yanmar diesel. All great. But....the boat wasn't that old and the interior quality was not good. Hardware already corroding, all press board interior with some cheap veneer, etc. etc. So if the interior was so poor in quality (visible items) what will the hidden things be like. So, for long term ownership, I think it would not be for me. And of course I'm assuming the 41.1 and 45 are cut from the same cloth.
Merry Christmas waving a hand for Maryland
Beneteau. Interesting. I sailed a Jeanneau 40 (yeah I know but close enough). Every 40 footer I've been on since seems cramped fore and aft. But looking into the bilge I see the same thing: The frame is glued to the hull. I don't see that in any other boat. It's how they can pay French wages and not have the boats cost two million Euros. Expedition Evans are two dumb kids who bought a Beneteau 50 for $25,000! Salvage: It had had a serious keel strike. One or two of the keel bolts were a bit bent - not bad, but the entire frame was shifted in the hull - it just separated. The kids did more grinding than you can possibly imagine then glassed/gusseted that frame to the hull. I'd go to sea in that boat. Bar none it is now the best Beneteau on the planet. The rest of Group Beneteau? There's the shockingly inept Lagoon 45 (and maybe the rest of their cats). The bulkheads in the Lagoon are criminally stupid.
However, now that I'm looking for a 38-40 to sail for the next two years those Benes and Jeanneaus are looking a lot better. And I only intend to sail it for two years.... Yeah, okay you got me.
The cabinetry inside the Beneteau in your video is terrible. It's Ikea. (I've ordered a Seawind - so not much better.) What I noticed about boats is there has to be a few really nice details inside that make your eye happy (or all windows.) One guy's boat I was in had all his stuff piled around, but there was this one shelf in the galley - that was enough to make it feel like a home instead of an airport hotel. For my Seawind I'm going to make my own table, good veneer, maybe hire a shop to do some nice inlay. Add a few wooden hand rails on the stairs to the hulls. Okay, I hit you up on PayPal.
So I have a question. I personally have no problem with Beneteau. However what about there sister company J 45 or J 45DS?
Hope your dream comes true, she’s a beauty.
Great video. Totally agree on the 45. I'm worried about core issues if I buy one.
Thoughts on the Oceanis 46.1 and 51.1 ?
I chartered an Oceanus 45 in Raiatea in Jan 2021. Here are my thoughts. No backrest at the helm. Very uncomfotable after about an hour. I like sitting behind the wheel. Fold down transom jammed constantly. No protection from being pooped. We had a spirited sail from Huahini to Raiatea and had water in the cockpit. The worst problem was the exposed rudder. I never once felt the rudder hit coral, but apparently we did, and it tore a 3" hole in the rudder. I would never sail in any boat with an exposed rudder in the tropics again.
If money was no object I could check off all the boxes but I still think I've arrived at a great vessel that checks off most of them that doesn't break the bank... Just small lake sailing for me... Catalina 400 gets er done..
I did is the answer to your episode title! I have raced small catamarans (Hobie16) competitively for the past 35 years and still do. Now at the age that we wanted something to bay hope and coastal cruise in Queensland Australia. There is no perfect boat, just one that works for you most of the time.
We settled on the Oceanis 45 (plastic production boat as they call it) for a lot of the reasons you mention. Fold down transom, massive cockpit, duel helm so you can steer from the leeward side, it’s not slow, super wide and plenty of comfort. In mast furling main, Genoa and furling code zero. 800AH of lithium with solar so plenty of power.
Problem yet to be solved is davits, working on a non arch solution to lift the dinghy with outboard still on.
Never thought poorly of the Beneteau boats.. or cared much about what other people think. They are very popular for a reason. They tick a lot of boxes for most people, and look great still.
That beneteau 45 is a beautiful boat but do you really think it's $200k more boat than a slightly older hunter 42 passage?
That's the bind I'm in right now but made easier by the fact I don't have $300k and unlike many I am keen on hunters. Lol.
Island Packet.
I have noticed a trend in 24-30 foot racing boats of beam carried forward to a very blunt nose. See Sailing Frenchman channel. Kind of ugly, buf if that hull design was carried to a 40+ cruiser the interior space would be huge.
"as long as it's fun" Merry Christmas to you and yours !
There is one boat in my marina which get my attention. Not an Oceanis! But is is a Frenchy, 9m standard variety. The Beneteau has everything I do not like. Fat arse, windage, and, yes, as you put it, it does tick numerous boxes. I find myself staring at it all the time. I understand.
What is you plan for 2022 ? will you be southbound, ICW again or Iceland Greenland or other. carry-on
Enjoy your content. If ever I win the lottery in a big way….yeah, your Beneteau will probably be on my list, too. Similar reasons to your own. Currently I’m on a pension in Canada, not likely to afford much more than a good dinghy or a tired, older boat. Oh, well
Happy Holidays All !
If Bene didn't build seaworthy sv's there would not be so many on top of the seas.
Love your channel, great vid. Do you think deals might be better in the med? I think YachtWorld shows better pricing of boats there. I’d love to hear thoughts on that.
When zi bought my boat some years ago, I lived by myself on the boat for a few years. Then my wife and I got together again, and now within a couple of years from retirement, Now and I wish I bought more than a 35 LOA boat. However, with all due respect, I did not buy my boat to entertain. Though I won't cross an ocean on it, I do plan on island hoping in the Bahamas and Caribbean as a reward for my 50 years plus of hard work. If I wanted to entertain, I'd be a Cat owner. One thing I dislike of Beneteau boats is how their rudders hang so unprotected. More power to you, captain. Fair winds
Wonder if some type of "protector" could be fabricated for that rudder because that's a when not an if. We have em for outboards on our steelhead rivers here in MI but they do affect performance. Not sure on a sailboat.
Funny I'm getting to the same conclusion on this model and then I come across your video about it. I guess we think alike. I'm just considering the Oceanis 48 as well .
I love these been-a-floats… I’d probably settle for something under 40 foot for docking costs…
Just discovered your channel . I would like to learn to sail and get a boat someday. Is there type of sailboat that's better for lakes vs ocean. Fyi your voice is perfect for presenting and teaching.
That's kind of where I've settled as well... Looking at similar boats and in the next 6-8 years
"And yes... it's a Beneteau." Love it. But in truth, there's a reason why they sell a gazillion of them.
I am right there with you Tim. It's the boat I hate to love and I am embarassed to admit it.
Great video, just one thing. It didn't sound like you were talking about your dream boat but the best fit you can afford at the moment...
Love the content. What would you consider the Toyota of Sailboats? That is to say BLANK sailboat is to sailboats what Toyota is to automobiles.
Excellent choice. The Oceanis 45 is a bit rich for me. I would love to get a Beneteau 473 2 cabin but I am thinking I will have to step down to a Beneteau 423 instead. Would love twin helm but Not sure I can swing it.
cant afford anything new. am happy with my 1988 Jeanneau sundream 28 for now
When you have look into the Allied SEAWIND 2 Ketch!
Thanks Tim. Now you made me want to sail the world.
It's really a very interesting boat to live aboard, make charter or invite friends.
Nice video.
I’ve read a lot of opinions of “blue water” boats. It seems that nothing but the “best” is good enough for some people. Beneteau’s get snubbed by so many but I’d like to know what boat they own! It’s one thing to wish for a Rolls Royce but a minivan is what works best.
I still think you should write a book about the histories of these boat companies. You already have done more than enough to fill a book, put them all in and call it a historical encyclopedia. Make it pictorial as in coffee table book style, and it will sell outside of the west marine book racks, and into general bookstores as well, maybe even attracting new people to the hobby / lifestyle, and making it a more long term income stream than just having it at west marine or whatnot.
Why don't you also feature the keel if bolted or integrated with the body and if the rudder has a skeg? Am interested in a 64 jeanneau and in kraken 66 as long as it's an aft cockpit?
I am sure that Bene knows better what you need than you do. They sell conviviality and they sell a lot of it for very good reason. It’s not by chance that it ticks your boxes.
I've always had my eye on the Beneteau 39 or 40 with the two cabin layout and the aft galley. Roomy up and down. Great boat for two and a lot cheaper that the 45.
As a newbie beginner sailer.
Does adding a dingie at the back and solar panel not make the boat to heavy at the back?
Or do these big boats come with ballast that can be removed?
Love to hear the answer.
What’s the difference between a Jenneau son odyssey 45 and eight Beneteau Oceanias 45
Great choice and great episode! I'm looking for something similar myself. Are there other production models that check all the boxes for you? I kinda like the Jeanneau DS models.
We love our jeaneau 349. The interior design is larger than many 39/40 boats. We have the 2 cabin version. The “third” cabin is a garage and has a separate shower The 3 cabin version has a wet room. I wanted a separate shower
@@patriciapoot1180 That's a nice boat! There aren't many (any?) that size with two wheels AND a separate shower! I'd been thinking about something a little older and closer to 40ft, though with the chines you do get extra volume for the same length.
Nice reasoning , second that!
Recently found your channel and like it a lot! Keep up the great work!!
Any chance of an episode on Cabo Rico? They used to advertise in "latitudes and attitudes?"
Go with the 48 instead,there’s one 10 boats down my pier from me for sale !!
Well. . . . The keel is a no go for me. . .
keel and rudder are no gos for me. for less money I can get a Morgan 44 in ready to go condition. I understand his reasoning though. we are looking for a Morgan 44 or similar. we want a good moderate displacement boat with good motion that can take care of itself in a blow.
Merry Christmas Tim 🎄
Could you do a video on buying a boat from France/Coatia/EU ?