Alternatives to Beneteau 30.1?

[Idolatry]

With limiting my search to recently manufactured boats, am trying to find boats which have some 'fun' performance for sailing around, are relatively inexpensive, and generally well designed.

Which other brands / models would you recommend?

The Jeanneau 349 is a few feet longer, wider, and supposedly 2,600# heavier... Have looked around at many brands, seen lots of nice boats, but I'm not too fond of the tiller designs I see everywhere. Just wondering if I'm missing anything before pulling the trigger.

Thank you!

[goboatingnow]

Archambault A31 is seriously fun sadly the yard failed around 2017. I raced on their A41 , jeepers it was quick.

There’s the Hanse 315 to consider

For out and out fun but no accommodation thd cape 31 is the leader of the pack.

[Celestialsailor]

It might be helpful to know your country of origin to give an opinion.

[Idolatry]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Archambault A31 is seriously fun sadly the yard failed around 2017. I raced on their A41 , jeepers it was quick.

There’s the Hanse 315 to consider

For out and out fun but no accommodation thd cape 31 is the leader of the pack.

Will take a look at the Hanse and Cape! Will check out the Archambault also. Thank you!

[Idolatry]

USA

[Letterkenny]

I’m biased as a 349 owner but I’d look at the Beneteau 34 if going new as that is essentially a 349 but you can get the bigger main which is one of my complaints.

[Sailor Sailor]

You declare yourself a brand new sailor. A good response to your inquiry requires more details.

Exactly where in the U.S. do you intend to use the boat?

What would be your intended usage?

Why do you desire a recently manufactured boat?

If you drop that last requirement, which is not really a wise requirement for a new sailor, you could pick up some fun, performance oriented boats to learn on. For example, a J/24 or J/30 would suit your needs and could be acquired relatively inexpensively: $5K to $20K. The ULDBs are cool boats for the West Coast, if you can find an Olson 30, Santa Cruz 27, Moore 24, any would be fast and a lot of fun, in the same price range. If you develop an interest in racing, any of those boats could be a relatively inexpensive, fun way to start.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Sailor Sailor

You declare yourself a brand new sailor. A good response to your inquiry requires more details.

Exactly where in the U.S. do you intend to use the boat?

What would be your intended usage?

Why do you desire a recently manufactured boat?

If you drop that last requirement, which is not really a wise requirement for a new sailor, you could pick up some fun, performance oriented boats to learn on. For example, a J/24 or J/30 would suit your needs and could be acquired relatively inexpensively: $5K to $20K. The ULDBs are cool boats for the West Coast, if you can find an Olson 30, Santa Cruz 27, Moore 24, any would be fast and a lot of fun, in the same price range. If you develop an interest in racing, any of those boats could be a relatively inexpensive, fun way to start.

The 30.1 is a really nice boat all the same.

[Idolatry]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

I’m biased as a 349 owner but I’d look at the Beneteau 34 if going new as that is essentially a 349 but you can get the bigger main which is one of my complaints.

I haven’t sailed the 34.1, but have sailed the 35.1. It’s very nice, and to be honest it is something I’ve thought about.

[Idolatry]

Originally Posted by Sailor Sailor

You declare yourself a brand new sailor. A good response to your inquiry requires more details.

Exactly where in the U.S. do you intend to use the boat?

What would be your intended usage?

Why do you desire a recently manufactured boat?

If you drop that last requirement, which is not really a wise requirement for a new sailor, you could pick up some fun, performance oriented boats to learn on. For example, a J/24 or J/30 would suit your needs and could be acquired relatively inexpensively: $5K to $20K. The ULDBs are cool boats for the West Coast, if you can find an Olson 30, Santa Cruz 27, Moore 24, any would be fast and a lot of fun, in the same price range. If you develop an interest in racing, any of those boats could be a relatively inexpensive, fun way to start.

I believe everything that you say. It is good advice! However, if I want any of my friends and family to join me, I will need to be on a 30’+ newer boat.

[Idolatry]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Archambault A31 is seriously fun sadly the yard failed around 2017. I raced on their A41 , jeepers it was quick.

There’s the Hanse 315 to consider

For out and out fun but no accommodation thd cape 31 is the leader of the pack.

Looking over the Hanse website - realize I’ve compared this boat before - the Hanse is 4in longer, but over 2,000 pounds heavier and with 14in more beam.

The dimensions & weight of the Hanse 315 look somewhat similar to the last generation Bene 31. I’ve sailed both the Bene 31 & 30.1, and quite enjoy the light feeling. Just feels more active and responsive to me. Of course I’m also a neophyte so… take it all with much salt!