Want opinion on Oceanis 41 and 45

[Ministerg]

I am considering purchasing a Beneteau 41 or 45.
My home port is Galveston Tx and I intend to do bay sailing as well as coastal cruising. Trips to Florida and the Caribbean are also planned.
Looking for best ride, ease of sailing shorthanded single and couple.
Also planning to sail the East coast and some ICW travel.
So a boat that is ocean capable and comfortable in port is high on the list.
Other recommendations of boats in this class are appreciated.

[Mknebes]

Hi-- pretty boats. Are you buying new? We are selling our '02 Jeanneau 43DS--all real wood and feels more like a 48' boat. New Northern Lights 6kw generator- numerous upgrades and the boat is totally set up for single handling or 2 people. SUPER comfy--almost a king in the aft berth. Shoal draft. More boat by far than you get new. PM me if you want more info. Here's a hint:

2 owner, lovingly cared for, NEVER chartered!!

"Exit Strategy" is perhaps the finest example of what is arguably Jeanneau's best design. She is the "Owner's Version with dual master suites (2 cabins & 2 heads).

She has low hours (492) and has been lovingly maintained by her owners. She has just about EVERY option and many new upgrades including but not limited to:

Brand New Northern Lights 6kw Generator Installed in fall of 2013!! With Sound Shield and custom enclosure. (36hrs)
Furling Main
Electric Winch
6 New AGM Batteries 9/2013
New Stainless Steel water muffler 12/2013
New Cutlass Bearing 2/2014
Propeller Balanced & Painted 2/2014
New Spur Rope Cutter 8/2013
Xantrex 3000w/150a Sinewave Inverter/Charger
Xantrex 40amp Battery Charger
Victron BMV 602 Battery Monitor
Electric Windlass with Helm control & chain counter
Mermaid Condensators for both Air Conditioners
4 Burner Stove
10' Achilles Dinghy with 8hp 2 stroke Yamaha outboard
New bottom paint 8/2013
Immaculately maintained.
This extra clean and well equipped Sun Odyssey 43 DS offers comfortable offshore cruising with two two master cabins separate from the main accommodation. All lines are lead aft for easy shorthanding with furling main and headsail and bowthruster. She comes with a full suite of electronics. The Sun Odyssey 43 is a comfortable and capable offshore boat.

Exit Strategy has had only two owners, was never chartered and is meticulously maintained. A personal viewing is highly recommended.

Just worth a look-- and thanks

[Ministerg]

Thanks ... I will look at your style of boat.. although I am really leaning toward new

[barnakiel]

They are OK boats and with good use of their volume. There is very little difference in handling between them. If you want ICW check draft of each as I know too much is an issue there. Then check bridge clearance too!

You can walk around the draft by getting the shallow draft version, but you are unlikely to cut off the top of the mast on a brand new 45'er. ;-)

Think twice if you get your dock and go. Google some as some owners had issues.

Cheers,
b.

[Ministerg]

Barnaikle... beneteau makes a ICW rig that is 43 ft tall. the standard rig is 47 ft so the sail is reduced minimally. Usually the boat is fitted with the shallow keel with a ICW rig.
The 41 and 45 will be close in sail area within 100sq ft.
Is the 41 Gulf and if needed ocean capable?
or is the 45 a better choice?

[barnakiel]

They both are according to manufacturer.

There have been recent discussions on the forum related to accidents on boats of the same manufacturer. Worth reading prior to any ocean commitments. IMHO

b.