Beneteau 311 swing Keel

[bretag]

I'm considering a Bene' 311 with swing Keel-seems to fit all my needs for great lakes sailing- variable draft, single handing, trailerable (with permit, behind my 2500 diesel), perfect for Florida/Bahamas/Caribbean? sounds too good!
Does anybody have any experience with this boat? also how suitable would it be for some limited water sailing">Blue water sailing?
Replies welcome
Gretag

[Pete7]

Is it the tiller or wheel version?

Think we need Phil (Boatman 61) who did a couple of Atlantic crossings on one, although they do play around with the model numbers to create a "new" model each year by changing the number and the colour of the cushions

A friend has a 311 but I haven't sailed on it. Lives up a drying creek with thick mud and only has access at high tide each day. Doesn't seem to have any vices or problems with it and they are a popular charter yacht in the med so ought to be easy to sail, good if you are single handing.

Pete

[tpierquet]

To Bretag: Did you buy a Beneteau 311 yet? I have a 2001 with the keel/centerboard. I love it! But..... My wife wants a catamaran. I bought this boat in 2013. I have it rigged to single hand and sail it alone often. It steers like it is on rails with the twin rudders. . Little to no weather helm, very balanced steering. It steers easily in reverse. I often back into a slip with no trouble. The lifting keel (2ft8" to7ft) works great. I bought it when the water was extremely low to be able to park it on the river at my house. Great for getting close to shore. I can anchor in 3ft of water and wash the hull sides and scrub the bottom so easily. If you want more info to make a decision, feel free to contact me. 920-655-8115 in Wisconsin

[tpierquet]

tpierquet
Registered User


Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Suamico Wi
Boat: Beneteau 311 K/Cbd
Posts: 1


Re: Beneteau 311 swing Keel
To Bretag: Did you buy a Beneteau 311 yet? I have a 2001 with the keel/centerboard. I love it! But..... My wife wants a catamaran. I bought this boat in 2013. I have it rigged to single hand and sail it alone often. It steers like it is on rails with the twin rudders. . Little to no weather helm, very balanced steering. It steers easily in reverse. I often back into a slip with no trouble. The lifting keel (2ft8" to7ft) works great. I bought it when the water was extremely low to be able to park it on the river at my house. Great for getting close to shore. I can anchor in 3ft of water and wash the hull sides and scrub the bottom so easily. If you want more info to make a decision, feel free to contact me. 920-655-8115 in Wisconsin

[Michael C Sail]

I am from Ohio and looking for a Beneteau 311. Is yours still for sale?

[Whokickamoocow]

Originally Posted by bretag

I'm considering a Bene' 311 with swing Keel-seems to fit all my needs for great lakes sailing- variable draft, single handing, trailerable (with permit, behind my 2500 diesel), perfect for Florida/Bahamas/Caribbean? sounds too good!
Does anybody have any experience with this boat? also how suitable would it be for some limited Blue water sailing?
Replies welcome
Gretag

I've no experience with the 311 but I had a swing keel and loved it. It was a game changer for access and because you can afford the extra draft it is just as good for deep water sailing.
Running aground becomes an annoyance rather than a chore. Motor on, lift the keel, back her up and off you go.
Would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to sail in areas where it gets a bit shallow.
Cheers,
WK

[Michael C Sail]

Honestly. This worries me a whole lot. I make a post and you respond from half way around the world. Seriously???

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Michael C Sail

Honestly. This worries me a whole lot. I make a post and you respond from half way around the world. Seriously???

What, you haven't figured out that this is an international forum, open to all regardless of colour, creed or location.

[Whokickamoocow]

Originally Posted by Michael C Sail

Honestly. This worries me a whole lot. I make a post and you respond from half way around the world. Seriously???

Errr... are your talking to me MCS?

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Whokickamoocow

Errr... are your talking to me MCS?

Wouldn't worry about it, probably hasn't discovered the quote button yet.

[bretag]

Reply to Michael C Sail:
I do not own a Beneteau 311, was simply enquiring about other boaters experience wth the model

[tpierquet]

I sold my Beneteau 311 in 2020 summer.

[Michael C Sail]

I am new to this thread. So I have no idea how this works. I am from Ohio in the usa and was asking about the 311 Tpierquet had for sale. Thank you for letting me know it is sold. I think I understand the thread a little better and I meant no insult whatsoever. And yes, I know what quotes are for. I get it now. Sorry if I offended anyone.