Beneteau 523, or 54 or Jeanneau 54 DS

[DancingBeaver]

Hi Forum!

Trying to decide on what to look at next...

We had our hearts set on a 2004 Beneteau 523, owners version with a shoal draft, but she didn't survey well. Now we are back to looking for a big sailboat to cruise the world in.


I believe the 523 was built 2004-2007. How does it compare to the 2009 Beneteau 54 or a Jeanneau 54 DS?

I've not hat a chance to step aboard either of these.


I find these vessels are all prices similarly in the current market state. $200-300K.

[George_SD]

With your price range you can find a well maintained sailboat. My friend has a newer Oceanis 51 and while it's big and comfy, i wouldn't say it's a great choice for around the world. It was pretty miserable even in a light chop at night, no one could sleep because it is very flat bottomed. Every time it would come down on a small wave it would slam pretty hard, just like our 32.

I would strongly suggest looking for one in a really good condition, even if it is smaller, or not a "production" boat.

[Rumrace]

The Jeanneau SO 54 as long as it doesn’t have the kitchen aft is abetter boat than either Beneteau and a stronger boat than its sister Deck Salon. The DS is elegant all sizes. The Beneteau Sense 55 was some sweet ride also. Good luck finding a DS

[svtickles]

Originally Posted by Rumrace

The Jeanneau SO 54 as long as it doesn’t have the kitchen aft is abetter boat than either Beneteau and a stronger boat than its sister Deck Salon. The DS is elegant all sizes. The Beneteau Sense 55 was some sweet ride also. Good luck finding a DS

I though kitchen aft was better than towards the bow?

[mglonnro]

Hanse 531 and Hanse 540 are in that space as well! Epoxy.

[Snore]

Great question... Semi-long answer

If the goal is truly to sail the world. I would consider going smaller and up in quality. I would rather trust myself to a 41' Tartan than a 55 Bene or even Jeanneau. If (when!) it all goes bad, having a stout 41-48' boat that you can handle without the electric winches is always easier. Especially since most of the time you will likely be short-handed.

But back to your question. I ran a Bene 58(?) Tampa to Key West a few years back. Laying in a forward cabin (1/2 a vee) I watch the hull twist in 6-8' GOM waves. Not exactly a confidence builder. Never really trusted Benies after that then. And a few other trips reinforced my angst. Then this year I moved a 55' Bene Sense from FL panhandle to Charleston. Boat was solid. So what was the difference???? IMHO it was the full and partial bulkheads in the Sense. The 58 had a HUGE salon designed to entertain or hold choir practice in. The Sense had a smaller salon and more bulkheads.

Some of the new Jeanneaus also have huge salons.

As to galley location? Amidships is better, BUT the galley also needs a hatch the cook can open. When things get 'sporty', having a good flow of fresh air helps the cook do meal prep without 'issues'.

My suggestion is to read up on hull designs. Bob Perry has written some great books on boat designs.

[Rumrace]

Hears the good news Jeanneau laminate includes Epoxy and Kevlar roving layer. So Hanse is a great option but not for the hull.
I love that Hanse is testing and abusing a 38’ 3D printed yacht.
Last I looked Hanse and Dufour are still using a single rudder with the increased beam aft they seem to be alone
Deck Salon Aft

[Rumrace]

You need a helmet to use the 54 aft kitchen underway. Your correct about the newish 51 it’s better everything than the OP options but over budget.

[Jim Greer]

I own a Beneteau 461. It is a tough ride in a chop due to the hull shape. I also find that her displacement to length is not to my liking. I would prefer 28,000 lbs. compared to the 24,000 she displaces as currently equipped. She slaps in an anchorage when a wave hits the stern. A heavier, full keel with a finer entry would be better when the sea state gets on the exciting side. Also I would look into a cutter rig for better balance when the wind pipes up. If you have your heart set on a Beneteau or Jeanneau, see about adding an inner forestay. Just my humble opinion.