Beneteau 38

[gcaskew]

Anyone take a look at the new Bene 38 with the open bow. I loved it for a couple to cruise on in the Caribbean. Wife loved the openness with open bulkhead.

But omg new boats are expensive.

[blueyama]

Went to a boat show in St. Pete not to long ago. A very cool interior! My wife really liked it and I would have to say it is pretty! I'd probably go with a Southerly 35RS if you're in that ballpark or for half the cost a SOUTHERLY 100 32. If you're just going through the Caribbean it would be a great sailboat since the daft of the boat is non-existent. It has a lift keel, but most surely not the same boat or openness.

[satdiver]

Don't get too wrapped up in boat porn or nothing you find will ever be enough.

[robert sailor]

I just got to believe this boat will be flexible.

[Captain Bligh]

Don't like it.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[bobconnie]

Hate to try cooking a meal in 20-25 MPH winds! I think the cook will be covered in bruise's except at anchor or the marina dock ! just my old fashion 2 cents

[Wandering]

Where are the handholds? Looks nice for entertaining in a marina but I would like to sail it anywhere

[sailor_andy]

We saw this boat at Annapolis boat show in the fall. We own an Oceanis 381 so know that I have nothing against Beneteau. But neither of us really cared for this boat. They concentrated on sight lines rather than practicality. It's pretty, so if your goal is marina hopping, you should be fine. But as a Liveaboard, not for us. Just our opinion, you have to find what makes YOU happy!

[RKsailsolo]

Sailor A; I like the 38. What's it missing vs. yours?

[RKsailsolo]

Originally Posted by Wandering

Where are the handholds? Looks nice for entertaining in a marina but I would like to sail it anywhere

Buy it and place your own. It's a unique design.

[RKsailsolo]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

I just got to believe this boat will be flexible.

That's why I like it, I can buy it new and customize or I can buy used and reconfigure.
Oh, one more thing -
I love boat porn.

[jostalli]

When I stepped aboard the new Oceanis 38 at the San Diego show I swear I thought it was the 41. I stepped out and looked on the side and saw it said 38. It's the largest production 38 I have ever seen. If I were in the market for a new ~40' production mono this is the one I would buy. No question.

[Rohan]

Originally Posted by Wandering

Where are the handholds? Looks nice for entertaining in a marina but I would like to sail it anywhere

I went aboard this boat in Annapolis boat show. There is a bar to hold on to in front of the sink, and the center mast is always within reach.

My wife liked the open design, but I prefer to have separate spaces for more privacy and just peace of mind. Still, I like the way Beneteau is producing a different boat. Too many of the Oceanis series are like carbon copies of each other at different sizes.

[jostalli]

Originally Posted by Rohan

My wife liked the open design, but I prefer to have separate spaces for more privacy and just peace of mind.

The bulkhead is removable. You can have it either way even after you purchase.

Oceanis 38 | Concept

[sailor_andy]

Originally Posted by RKsailsolo

Sailor A; I like the 38. What's it missing vs. yours?

RK, I loved the cockpit of the new 38 even more than mine, but I am partial to the double wheel. It also made for easy walk on through the transom. As I plan to live on board, the question I asked was "Where do you store the bulkhead". To me, having the flexability of open concept was nice when it was only the two of us, but what about when guests showed up? I was told to store them in my garage! I live in Canada and cruise the Caribbean. Geographically speaking, I do not have easy access to my garage. So while the open concept might look nice, not really practical for my needs. The only option I would have is to leave the bulkhead in place. So why have a removeable bulkhead I can never remove?
Aside from cosmetics (my wife is not fond of this colour of finish) there is a lot of wasted space. There is almost a foot between the back of the stove and the bulkhead. Again I asked why? Answer... sightlines! Really? On a boat? They have done some things really well with this model but they are trying to make the interior into a Condo without thinking about the practicality of extended cruising. Give me the interior of my 381 with the cockpit of the new 38 and you really have something.