Which Production Boat ?

[Johnathon123]

After 2 years of searching, I have all but given up on the classic that will work for us.

We are 2 adults and 2 children, live in a coastal town in NSW Australia and will mainly do coastal cruising followed by at least one larger voyage. So must be ocean capable!

Our criteria are strong, 3 cabins (the kids are boy and girl and will become teenagers in the life of this boat)

The wife requires an exceptionally strong boat. Not a centre cockpit, with a sloop or cutter rig. She must sail well and be capable of singlehanded work.

Ideal size 37 - 42 foot

For those of you not in OZ we have the usual, Beneteau, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Élan, Catalina, to name a few available on the second hand market.

Budget circa $100 - 150k plus upgrades.

We have owned Bavaria in the past and for personal reasons alone (I am sure I am not the only one with a horror story) wouldn't go that way.

Beneteau seem very popular amongst members of this forum (thanks MarkJ)

Aesthetically they all look similar

Which way would you go and why?

Thanks

[boatman61]

A toss up between Beneteau for the great interiors and Jeaneau for their sailability....

[SaltyMonkey]

Given that price, and the disposition it must be a production line, my vote is for Jeaneau.

[avazquez]

I am biased. Beneteau from German Frers era.

[hoppy]

I would suggest Jeanneau, but in OZ there does not seem to be any that fit your size/price range. It seems like the majority are 2000 and later. I guess Jeanneau is a fairly new brand in Aus.

In Benneteau you could consider the First 405 or 38s5 as they will probably suit
Used Beneteau 38s5 for Sale | Yachthub
Used Beneteau 405 First for Sale | Yachthub
Used Beneteau First 405 for Sale | Yachthub

My uncle just bought a 405 in Melbourne

[Johnathon123]

I must admit to admiring a Jeannueau a little more but like Hoppy said - price wise they are a challenge in OZ

[SaltyMonkey]

38's and 405 beddie boats are nice

[bbbbbguy]

JEANNEAU! I don't say this because I own one. Most of us with an opinion have sailed on many different models and manufacturers. We have come to love our boats for a variety of reasons. My boat is like an old shoe.... it fits! It has the lines I like, proven (to me) reliability, layout, space, storage, and for an old cruiser, USIBILITY. Make a list of the features you are looking for in a boat, and narrow down your selection of manufacturer based on that. Once you've determined which boats fit your needs, make a list of the features you are willing to live without and use this to determine boats within your price range. Find the right price, and don't ever forget a quality survey!

[ShaunJ]

Originally Posted by Johnathon123

After 2 years of searching, I have all but given up on the classic that will work for us.

We are 2 adults and 2 children, live in a coastal town in NSW Australia and will mainly do coastal cruising followed by at least one larger voyage. So must be ocean capable!

Our criteria are strong, 3 cabins (the kids are boy and girl and will become teenagers in the life of this boat)

The wife requires an exceptionally strong boat. Not a centre cockpit, with a sloop or cutter rig. She must sail well and be capable of singlehanded work.

Ideal size 37 - 42 foot



For those of you not in OZ we have the usual, Beneteau, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Élan, Catalina, to name a few available on the second hand market.

Budget circa $100 - 150k plus upgrades.

We have owned Bavaria in the past and for personal reasons alone (I am sure I am not the only one with a horror story) wouldn't go that way.

Beneteau seem very popular amongst members of this forum (thanks MarkJ)

Aesthetically they all look similar

Which way would you go and why?

Thanks

We have a 432 beneteau, It sounds like we are in the same boat. Two kids and a Wife to keep happy. We love the room of this Beneteau, Three cabins and plenty of space, Its just perfect for what you are looking for. She sails well in light winds and handles 35knots very well. I haven't been in anything stronger yet.....
Good luck with your search, the 432 (Moorings) is a '87 and they only made them for a few years.