These are the best sailboat related videos on the internet, in my opinion. Please do not try to 'improve' anything about how your videos are being produced...
I own a 3 cabin 2 head 46.1. I love the boat. It's fast. Doesn't take much wind to get it going. I love the I can take it out by myself as everything is led back to the 2 helm stations. I have no use for cabin top winches. Just makes a mess around the companionway. Everyone who comes on the boat is impressed with the lines and the space below. I like the electric winches and we never use the winch handles but we are very cautious about observing the rules for their use so we don't break anything. The sail locker, retractible davits and the generator are nicve amenities. The 46.1 gives you speed, space and storage. It is manueverable with the 2 rudders. I spin the boat around in my marina in it's own length going 2-3 knots without the bow thruster. I have the tunnel bow thruster but I constantly practice not using it so if it fails I am ready. Having the main sheet on the arch makes tacking and jybing safer for the crew. I am no longer racing so I'm ok without a traveler. (Never thought I'd say that.). Great boat. No regrets.
After being on a clients Hans Christian 43T yesterday this video is a shock to my system!! I must admit the cockpit on the Bene is nicely setup for shorthanded sailing. Let's face it at 45+ feet you're just going get tons of accommodations.
Keep the videos coming I’m excited to start sailing my first boat cat25 going to liveaboard when I’m home then save up after I learn to sail then I’ll buy a 37 to 40 to sail across the ocean
Great review of the new Beneteau. You made one passing comment though -- this is a coastal cruiser, not for ocean passages. That got me thinking ... are there any manufacturers left that make a boat that it designed for ocean passages, that sell for less than $500,000 new? We all know that Amel, Moody, Halberg-Rassy, Oyster, and Island Packet fit the bill, but they do so at a colossal cost. The IP is probably the most affordable out of the bunch with the current 438 model coming in at just over $600K and 349 at just over $400k -- under the $500k mark, but does anyone want to world travel crossing oceans on a boat that is about 38 ft. in LOA? I think this would be a good topic for at least an episode if not a series of episodes. Keep up the great work!!!
Makes great old classic bluewater boats much more attractive. Especially if they are in great shape. So people can afford to cross an ocean south of a million dollars if the want a 45 foot boat.
@@svsalserenity4375 I whole heartedly agree, but I still have another decade before retirement, and those already "old" boats will be even older and likely in need of even more work and upkeep by then. I'm just curious if any current or more recent manufacturers will be having "blue water" models come into the "buyers window" over the next decade -- a watch list so to speak.
@@robertscholz4486 Yeah you could keep an eye on Krakens, but they will still be crazy money in a decade. Also Hylas is a safe bet , especially the 49 designed by sparkman & stevens . John Krechtmer has sailed one offshore on extended passages and had nothing but good things to say about there sea kindly motion and speed. Hylas was on our short list and we almost bought one, we sailed them all . I prefer boats built in America ( Hylas Taiwan) and I have always been a Ted Hood fan so we went with the Bristol because of it pedigree and build quality . There are plenty of things to consider when buying a true bluewater boat . Read John Krechtmer and listen to Dick Beaumont . These people know what they are talking about. Enjoy , see you out there.
Similar to most production boats since the mid 2000's. Optimized for style, hot weather, and simplicity of sailing. The perfect charter boat! Not sure who told you Beneteau's primary target is for 'couples' first.
Saw it at Annapolis last October. Very well built, but the style feels...IKEA. A lot of good ideas (like the massive "garage" in the bow), tempered with some real head scratchers (like the electrical panel you noted).
I’m convinced that all of the current, “standard sized“ Beneteaus (i.e., those smaller than the Beneteau or Jeanneau yacht series) were ordered directly from, and at least the interiors built directly by, IKEA. Thus my earlier comment that the boat in this video looked like a relatively inexpensive, long-term stay, center city, Southeast Asian business hotel.
The coach top cushions on our 51.1 are perfect in heavy weather and a great place to stand watch at night. Ours do not fold, so we use folding cushion chairs from Westmarine.
Subscribed! love to see a video with a guest Nautical Architect and a Nautical Engineer your show for a AMA. Especially to better understand construction materials, techniques, design, innovation and safety.
We have the first Dufour 470 in the USA and made it ICW spec. Very similar to the Beneteau as far as pro’s and con’s and the Bene was on our short list (along with the Jenneau, Hanse and Bavaria). Suspect quality of finish I’ll write off to Covid times and would like a bigger or twin rudders but wife loves the forward transverse galley and huge staterooms, salon and cockpit. Longer journeys’s in store but don’t realistically see it as a big ocean crosser but anything is possible.
Your wife will love the transverse galley until you’re on a heel and she’s trying to cook. Just my humble opinion. And I live one block from the Dufour dealer so it’s not like I haven’t seen the boat before. But then of course, keeping her happy is very important. I try my best to do the same with mine.
Pet Peeves or a pet dog, You know your boats and all those little things you may lose sleep over. The dual helm and rudders gives me more repairs & less space to work around. Yes the lines coming back like you said how do you clean under or run new lines through ? I Live on the ICW and see many type boats north and south bound. Summertime passage is crambid with jet, small motor and a few paddlers or pontoon type boats. Weekends triple till you get south of Myrtle Beach to Charleston. N. Carolina has some tight areas but all in all its like a jungle cruise & yes lots of wildlife... Tim the last time you sail ICW,, those videos were great ~
Ref: Squeaky cabin sole panels. I would think a little paraffin wax from season to season will quiet the panels considerably. The question is why didn't Beneteau attach felt or cloth on either the support frames or to the underside of each sole panel? Why not do this at the factory.
Tim, the fit and finish are all very well, but as you point out, these are not boats to sail oceans on. The Med, yes but not actual oceans. I keep looking at the sharp angles and wonder how much bruising or loss of skin they might cause. But the lack of shade in the cockpit really bothers me - no shade means I'd want to limit my time at the helm to the minimum and those metal helms are going to get hot hot hot in the sun.
Respectfully, that Bene looks like a “cheap” hotel room in a Southeast Asian, center-city, high-rise apartment-hotel. I truly bet it will not wear well. But then what can I say? I’m a Jeanneau 50 DS owner. And I like things like cabin top winches, two anchor rollers, etc.. And, I despise things like German rig sheeting. And, yes, Ive sailed plenty of boats with that rig, including many of the newer, more Beneteau-like Jeanneaus. And I agree that sole looks like crap and I would bet it creaks like an old man. And, don’t even get me started about the stupid dorm room refrigerator. I agree with you completely. There’s a reason for top loading refrigerators, especially on sailboats. If you want a “slip condo” from which you can “entertain, this Bene might be a good choice. But, if you want a sailboat, I’d go somewhere else (and no, that wouldn’t include that Bavaria at least not for me- it’s an improvement, but it has too many of the same issues). But that’s just my humble opinion and to each their own.
Greetings from France !. Loved yr analysis & observations. "Executive style" ? Hell no. Call it "Chick Magnet" style, now u get the idea . Excellent video as always, tks !
some sailing folks keep telling that the new designs with the twin rudders are better while youre sailing but while using the engine there is no good control of the boat at least until some movement starts to exist, whats your thoughts on this?
I have a 2012 OC45 & I am the third owner. This boat is new to me this March. Some thoughts, as I live aboard: My fridge door, with the "ikea" veneer door on the apartment fridge is still working well after 12 years. I am OK with the multiple floorboard sections. This allows me to pull up panels and clean the fiberglass structural underfloor to knockdown the "boat smell." Perhaps the 45 has more master cabin storage, as it does not have the split bath. We'd have to measure. Hope to see you at Clarks on June 8th.
USD 600k .... I live in South Africa and with the USD at almost R19 to a Dollar, my chances of ever owning a boat like this are zero. Absolutely crazy.
This might sound like a dumb question, and I’m sure it probably is, as it’s coming from someone who hasn’t sailed yet but is in the market for my first sailboat; what’s with all these canvas tops? It doesn’t seem like it would be that difficult to make a hard top and it would instantly improve the look and feel of the boat. Even if it were like a cross between hard and soft, with a hard t top style covering, removable sides for visibility or like a sunroof style opening you see on non sailboats. What’s the reason for the canvas dodgers? I hate the way they look, and you don’t really have an option to not use it, so you’re stuck putting this ugly thing on your gorgeous 400k sailboat. It disturbs me for some reason.
this guy thinks like me; WTH change things if they don't improve something that was a pain in the old design. If even little elements of the design ARE changed, what "practical sailing" purpose was made easier, more functional, more maintenance free, more efficient, etc.
The twin rudders are horrible and in my opinion stupid. I chartered a 2023 Oceanis 52. It had the twin rudders and although they were very responsive while underway and at sail, they absolutely suck in close quarters getting your ass end to go over to get in the slip. It's not worth it to go twin because all the thrust goes right between the rudders and you need to be making decent amount of way to get a response from them. Try putting the wheel hard over and giving some throttle to kick your ass end over. Not going to happen and you'll just go forward until you can get some way and by then your almost out of the slip. It had a bow thruster but it does not do any good for getting your stern over. Total useless new trend in my opinion. Twin rudders with twin engines and single rudder with single engine isn't rocket science. The majority of these boats will be coastal cruising dock queens so why make it harder. I predict a lot of gelcoat repair in the future.
Hi, I have just returned from an inwater boatshow. I think you need to remember that you are not just a youtuber anymore but a proper journalist now. I think you need more distance, a more critical eye and that you need to pay a lot more attention to detail. I liked the old Lady-K-Sailing Tim. I am not happy with the current edition of Tim. With that out of the way , that Beneteau, big and expensive as it is. looks cheap with furniture that you'ld expect in the customer return-corner of the bargain-basement. Corners not fitting. Angles slapped together. Not plastic pieces in the veneer but just plastic. If that is supposed to be executive style I strongly suggest getting a second hand boat no younger than from 2005. Also the seating position in the salon is awkwardly low. I aggree that the Bavaria is nicer, still plastic everywhere. Beneteau's companionway steps are quite slippery and there is only one handhold. i don't cate if they are covered in leather, I want a handle for both hands. Bavaria's companionway is s llloooottt safer. Greets Ralf C. Please do return to journalism. Current reporting is also not what I expect from Practical sailor.
These are the best sailboat related videos on the internet, in my opinion. Please do not try to 'improve' anything about how your videos are being produced...
You mapped and counted the seams in the flooring. Now THAT'S a thorough review!
I own a 3 cabin 2 head 46.1. I love the boat. It's fast. Doesn't take much wind to get it going. I love the I can take it out by myself as everything is led back to the 2 helm stations. I have no use for cabin top winches. Just makes a mess around the companionway. Everyone who comes on the boat is impressed with the lines and the space below. I like the electric winches and we never use the winch handles but we are very cautious about observing the rules for their use so we don't break anything. The sail locker, retractible davits and the generator are nicve amenities. The 46.1 gives you speed, space and storage. It is manueverable with the 2 rudders. I spin the boat around in my marina in it's own length going 2-3 knots without the bow thruster. I have the tunnel bow thruster but I constantly practice not using it so if it fails I am ready. Having the main sheet on the arch makes tacking and jybing safer for the crew. I am no longer racing so I'm ok without a traveler. (Never thought I'd say that.). Great boat. No regrets.
After being on a clients Hans Christian 43T yesterday this video is a shock to my system!! I must admit the cockpit on the Bene is nicely setup for shorthanded sailing. Let's face it at 45+ feet you're just going get tons of accommodations.
Keep the videos coming I’m excited to start sailing my first boat cat25 going to liveaboard when I’m home then save up after I learn to sail then I’ll buy a 37 to 40 to sail across the ocean
Great review of the new Beneteau. You made one passing comment though -- this is a coastal cruiser, not for ocean passages. That got me thinking ... are there any manufacturers left that make a boat that it designed for ocean passages, that sell for less than $500,000 new? We all know that Amel, Moody, Halberg-Rassy, Oyster, and Island Packet fit the bill, but they do so at a colossal cost. The IP is probably the most affordable out of the bunch with the current 438 model coming in at just over $600K and 349 at just over $400k -- under the $500k mark, but does anyone want to world travel crossing oceans on a boat that is about 38 ft. in LOA? I think this would be a good topic for at least an episode if not a series of episodes. Keep up the great work!!!
Makes great old classic bluewater boats much more attractive. Especially if they are in great shape. So people can afford to cross an ocean south of a million dollars if the want a 45 foot boat.
@@svsalserenity4375 I whole heartedly agree, but I still have another decade before retirement, and those already "old" boats will be even older and likely in need of even more work and upkeep by then. I'm just curious if any current or more recent manufacturers will be having "blue water" models come into the "buyers window" over the next decade -- a watch list so to speak.
@@robertscholz4486 Yeah you could keep an eye on Krakens, but they will still be crazy money in a decade. Also Hylas is a safe bet , especially the 49 designed by sparkman & stevens . John Krechtmer has sailed one offshore on extended passages and had nothing but good things to say about there sea kindly motion and speed. Hylas was on our short list and we almost bought one, we sailed them all . I prefer boats built in America ( Hylas Taiwan) and I have always been a Ted Hood fan so we went with the Bristol because of it pedigree and build quality . There are plenty of things to consider when buying a true bluewater boat . Read John Krechtmer and listen to Dick Beaumont . These people know what they are talking about. Enjoy , see you out there.
Similar to most production boats since the mid 2000's. Optimized for style, hot weather, and simplicity of sailing. The perfect charter boat! Not sure who told you Beneteau's primary target is for 'couples' first.
I think this was your first compliment to Bavaria.
I’ll check them out when they hit the used boat market under $80k
Cup of coffee and a boat tour doesn’t get much better.
Saw it at Annapolis last October. Very well built, but the style feels...IKEA. A lot of good ideas (like the massive "garage" in the bow), tempered with some real head scratchers (like the electrical panel you noted).
I’m convinced that all of the current, “standard sized“ Beneteaus (i.e., those smaller than the Beneteau or Jeanneau yacht series) were ordered directly from, and at least the interiors built directly by, IKEA. Thus my earlier comment that the boat in this video looked like a relatively inexpensive, long-term stay, center city, Southeast Asian business hotel.
The coach top cushions on our 51.1 are perfect in heavy weather and a great place to stand watch at night. Ours do not fold, so we use folding cushion chairs from Westmarine.
Subscribed! love to see a video with a guest Nautical Architect and a Nautical Engineer your show for a AMA. Especially to better understand construction materials, techniques, design, innovation and safety.
Thanks for another great video. A used 461 is in my short list.
We have the first Dufour 470 in the USA and made it ICW spec. Very similar to the Beneteau as far as pro’s and con’s and the Bene was on our short list (along with the Jenneau, Hanse and Bavaria). Suspect quality of finish I’ll write off to Covid times and would like a bigger or twin rudders but wife loves the forward transverse galley and huge staterooms, salon and cockpit. Longer journeys’s in store but don’t realistically see it as a big ocean crosser but anything is possible.
Your wife will love the transverse galley until you’re on a heel and she’s trying to cook. Just my humble opinion. And I live one block from the Dufour dealer so it’s not like I haven’t seen the boat before. But then of course, keeping her happy is very important. I try my best to do the same with mine.
Pet Peeves or a pet dog, You know your boats and all those little things you may lose sleep over. The dual helm and rudders gives me more repairs & less space to work around. Yes the lines coming back like you said how do you clean under or run new lines through ? I Live on the ICW and see many type boats north and south bound. Summertime passage is crambid with jet, small motor and a few paddlers or pontoon type boats. Weekends triple till you get south of Myrtle Beach to Charleston. N. Carolina has some tight areas but all in all its like a jungle cruise & yes lots of wildlife... Tim the last time you sail ICW,, those videos were great ~
An order of magnitude too expensive for me. I do appreciate you pointing out the shortcomings and tipping your hat when due. Thanks!
Ref: Squeaky cabin sole panels.
I would think a little paraffin wax from season to season will quiet the panels considerably.
The question is why didn't Beneteau attach felt or cloth on either the support frames or to the underside of each sole panel? Why not do this at the factory.
Cheers skipper.⚓
Tim, the fit and finish are all very well, but as you point out, these are not boats to sail oceans on. The Med, yes but not actual oceans. I keep looking at the sharp angles and wonder how much bruising or loss of skin they might cause. But the lack of shade in the cockpit really bothers me - no shade means I'd want to limit my time at the helm to the minimum and those metal helms are going to get hot hot hot in the sun.
Don't think i like it much really , but Great video
Respectfully, that Bene looks like a “cheap” hotel room in a Southeast Asian, center-city, high-rise apartment-hotel. I truly bet it will not wear well. But then what can I say? I’m a Jeanneau 50 DS owner. And I like things like cabin top winches, two anchor rollers, etc.. And, I despise things like German rig sheeting. And, yes, Ive sailed plenty of boats with that rig, including many of the newer, more Beneteau-like Jeanneaus. And I agree that sole looks like crap and I would bet it creaks like an old man. And, don’t even get me started about the stupid dorm room refrigerator. I agree with you completely. There’s a reason for top loading refrigerators, especially on sailboats. If you want a “slip condo” from which you can “entertain, this Bene might be a good choice. But, if you want a sailboat, I’d go somewhere else (and no, that wouldn’t include that Bavaria at least not for me- it’s an improvement, but it has too many of the same issues). But that’s just my humble opinion and to each their own.
Greetings from France !. Loved yr analysis & observations. "Executive style" ? Hell no. Call it "Chick Magnet" style, now u get the idea . Excellent video as always, tks !
A lot of boat for the money but nothing I'd want. Maybe this is what's working in the charter fleets. 6 people would enjoy BVI for a week?
some sailing folks keep telling that the new designs with the twin rudders are better while youre sailing but while using the engine there is no good control of the boat at least until some movement starts to exist, whats your thoughts on this?
True but you’ll adapt and compensate 🤙
A lottery dream. But even then probably not.
If you hit the lottery, you'll buy a cat. Why heal when you can afford not to?
@@terryroth9707 because that's not sailing. If I want a condo I'll buy one. Personal preference.
If I won the lottery, Bene would not even make it into the top ten choices.
I have a 2012 OC45 & I am the third owner. This boat is new to me this March. Some thoughts, as I live aboard: My fridge door, with the "ikea" veneer door on the apartment fridge is still working well after 12 years. I am OK with the multiple floorboard sections. This allows me to pull up panels and clean the fiberglass structural underfloor to knockdown the "boat smell." Perhaps the 45 has more master cabin storage, as it does not have the split bath. We'd have to measure. Hope to see you at Clarks on June 8th.
What a dream boat! Maybe some day, but probably not.
On further notice, it seems like they are made as cheaply as possible. I guess that's what everyone is doing.
👍
Weekend executive boat...
USD 600k .... I live in South Africa and with the USD at almost R19 to a Dollar, my chances of ever owning a boat like this are zero. Absolutely crazy.
This might sound like a dumb question, and I’m sure it probably is, as it’s coming from someone who hasn’t sailed yet but is in the market for my first sailboat; what’s with all these canvas tops? It doesn’t seem like it would be that difficult to make a hard top and it would instantly improve the look and feel of the boat. Even if it were like a cross between hard and soft, with a hard t top style covering, removable sides for visibility or like a sunroof style opening you see on non sailboats. What’s the reason for the canvas dodgers? I hate the way they look, and you don’t really have an option to not use it, so you’re stuck putting this ugly thing on your gorgeous 400k sailboat. It disturbs me for some reason.
There is nothing blue water but damn.
this guy thinks like me; WTH change things if they don't improve something that was a pain in the old design. If even little elements of the design ARE changed, what "practical sailing" purpose was made easier, more functional, more maintenance free, more efficient, etc.
The twin rudders are horrible and in my opinion stupid. I chartered a 2023 Oceanis 52. It had the twin rudders and although they were very responsive while underway and at sail, they absolutely suck in close quarters getting your ass end to go over to get in the slip. It's not worth it to go twin because all the thrust goes right between the rudders and you need to be making decent amount of way to get a response from them. Try putting the wheel hard over and giving some throttle to kick your ass end over. Not going to happen and you'll just go forward until you can get some way and by then your almost out of the slip. It had a bow thruster but it does not do any good for getting your stern over. Total useless new trend in my opinion. Twin rudders with twin engines and single rudder with single engine isn't rocket science. The majority of these boats will be coastal cruising dock queens so why make it harder. I predict a lot of gelcoat repair in the future.
for that amount of money I would buy a cat instead (get more for my dime)
Great, looking boat from outside. But interior is very boring. Looks like a dorm furniture or IKEA put together.
Hi,
I have just returned from an inwater boatshow. I think you need to remember that you are not just a youtuber anymore but a proper journalist now. I think you need more distance, a more critical eye and that you need to pay a lot more attention to detail. I liked the old Lady-K-Sailing Tim. I am not happy with the current edition of Tim.
With that out of the way , that Beneteau, big and expensive as it is. looks cheap with furniture that you'ld expect in the customer return-corner of the bargain-basement. Corners not fitting. Angles slapped together. Not plastic pieces in the veneer but just plastic. If that is supposed to be executive style I strongly suggest getting a second hand boat no younger than from 2005. Also the seating position in the salon is awkwardly low.
I aggree that the Bavaria is nicer, still plastic everywhere. Beneteau's companionway steps are quite slippery and there is only one handhold. i don't cate if they are covered in leather, I want a handle for both hands. Bavaria's companionway is s llloooottt safer.
Greets Ralf C.
Please do return to journalism. Current reporting is also not what I expect from Practical sailor.
Great job as always