Looking for input on 1984 Beneteau Idylle 11.5

[MTang]

Hello again,

So after my last thread about fast cruisers with tillers, I have come to realize that I will need to compromise on that and consider wheel steering as well.

Just the other day, a 1984 Beneteau Idylle 37' popped up on the St. Thomas Craigslist: 1984 Beneteau Idylle 37' Sailboat. Sounds tempting with a newer Yanmar and new cabin sole for $19,000. Before I pursue this one more, is it worth it?

I have read the sparse amount of info on the internet about these boats. I guess my biggest concern is that 4'4" draft and its pointing ability. I read one persons post on saying he was on friend's 11.5 and it was a dog upwind. Also, is the build quality acceptable on these? Are they capable of higher speeds than older boats in the same length like Islanders, Cals, Pearsons, etc?

This will be used as an island hopper between St. Croix and neighboring islands. It will be my wife, me, and 2.5 year old son most of the time.

Thanks for your input.

[MTang]

Here is what the owner had to say about the boat:

-I bought the boat in Puerto Rico in 1999
-I have lived aboard twice for about a year. very comfortable
-the sails are in good shape
-standing rigging is in good shape
-Yanmar 50 hp engine has around 800 hours and runs perfect
-Has swim ladder
-Huge comfortable cockpit
-Cockpit cushions in great shape
-New cabin sole in 2011
-90 gallons fresh water(2 bladders) with foot pump.(has accumulator tank but no dc pump)
-Windsurfing equipment included
-Salon cushions need recovered. V-berth cushions good. Aft cabin cushions good.
-bimini and sail cover could last another year but worn
-Interior needs varnish
-Located in the boatyard in Virgin Gorda
-Overall cosmetic condition is fair
-No electronics
-2 batteries 2 years old
-upwind sailing ability is decent but not as good as the First Series
-draft is 5.5' not the 4.5'

This boat sails great and is perfect for Caribbean island hopping. Great value.

[Hydra]

MTang,
According to your 2nd post, the owner writes that his boat draft is 5.5', not 4.5'. This should reduce your interrogations.

My (French) book on second-hand sailing boats says that the Idylle 11,50 was built from 1983 to 1987. The hull lines are the same as the First 35 (architect: Jean Berret) but the keel and topside aren't the same. The light displacement is 6,8 t / 14978lb. The sail area is 69.7 sq m / 750 sq ft (26.7 sqm / 287 sq ft for the mainsail and 43 sq m / 463 sq ft for the genoa). This isn't sufficient in light winds.

At that time, Bénéteau used to build sturdy boats.

Alain

[Cheechako]

Island hopping I doubt you will be encountering a lot of head winds anyway. Light air in the lee of the islands (often motoring) and heavy wind in the cuts between the islands at times. Every boat is a compromise. Sounds like a good boat for your purpose...
If you are a person that is willing to sail at 3 knots tacking, adjusting sails and spend 7 hours to go 20 miles, then yes, maybe you need a 6 ft draft and performance boat.
If instead you want to motor sail at 7+ knots and get there in less than 3 hours when necessary, then dont worry about it.

[MTang]

Just bumping this up to see if there is any more input on the Beneteau 11.5 with 5.5' draft.


Thanks

[letsgetsailing3]

Seems like to me it meets your needs, if you like the boat.

Those are great for the Virgin Islands. You need to have a look at it.

[robert sailor]

With a draft of 5.5 feet it should go upwind fine, if you had 7 feet you'd be wishing it wasn't so deep. Unless your in really protected waters you really don't want to point too high offshore, just foot off a little depower it a bit and have a comfy ride.

[MTang]

Ok, thanks for the input. I'll have to take a little jaunt over Virgin Gorda to have a look.