Beneteau Oceanis 28 vs Baba 30

[flybynight]

Hello everybody! This is the wanna-be sailor again.
Finally, I am about to purchase a used sailboat, take a crash course in practical sailing and, hopefully, sail away (and learn the rest on the go, for all I care).
I am facing a choice between two equally priced boats - Beneteau Oceanis 28 and Baba 30. Both, apparently, fit my goal of long-term Pacific sailing, both are bluewater cruisers. I haven't seen them in reality yet, but looks like they are in decent shape.

I was surprised to find out that Beneteau, apparently, has a bolted-on keel. Isn't it strange for its reputation? Or it isn't really that bad? (What do I know!) Baba, on the other hand, doesn't look as impressive as "Black Pearl" (ha-ha), but it is reputed to be reliable and sturdy.
Anyway, what are the pros and contras here, and what would you choose? And which boat is better for a single enthusiastic novice, ready to learn and accumulate experience?

Thank you so very much!

[boatman61]

The Beneteau is a coastal/offshore sailboat but I would not call it ocean capable in a beginners hands.
Go for the Baba 30 if Pacific cruising is your aim.

[HC Sailing]

Ask yourself what you want to do:
* sailing and relaxing = Beneteau Oceanis 28
* working on the boat and sailing the world = Baba 30

[Cheechako]

Those boats are like opposites. I'd go for the Baba for long distance cruising. Have you visited either boat? They are a world apart accommodation wise.
The Beneteau will be much faster in lighter winds. The Baba is a tank that will survive rough weather.
There are boats in between also.
What's your location? You can buy a lighter boat like the Bene if you are in a place like Florida and cruise the Bahamas and/or Caribe, then you will know better what you really want in a boat for crossing oceans.

[psk125]

+1 on everything above. They may cost the same, but that's about where the similarities end. A second-hand Mercedes GLB 250 may cost the same as a Toyota RAV4. The one that works best for you will depend upon how you want to use it, and for how long.