where are beneteau sailboats made

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• Sailboat Guide

Benjamin Beneteau, shipwright, founded the Beneteau boatyard at Croix-de-Vie, France to build sailing trawlers. In 1964 Annette Beneteau Roux and her brother, Andre, granddaughter and grandson to Benjamin, diversified the company with the introduction of fiberglass sailing yachts. With the introduction of the FLETAN and the GUPPY, Beneteau took part in the 1965 Paris Boat Show for the first time, establishing its reputation for building seaworthy pleasure craft. The FIRST 30, designed by Andre Mauric and introduced in 1976, was the beginning of Beneteau’s very successful First series. It was chosen Boat of the Year at the Paris Boat Show and also won the first leg of the Figaro Single-Handed Race. In response to its expanding North American market, Beneteau opened a production facility in Marion, South Carolina. Within four years, Beneteau became one of the top three sailboat manufacturers in America. ***(In order to simplify things, all the Beneteau models, for which we have adequate information, have been listed under the ‘Beneteau’ section. Beneteau’s were often given differEnt names depending on which part of the world they were sold (and/or built). This, in addition to boats that were sold directly to charter companies which also used their own names.) Today, (2016) Beneteau is largest builder of sailboats in the world.

Associations

• First 260 Spirit
• One Ton Class
• First 30 Association (FRA)
• TOUR DE FRANCE A LA VOILE
• Moorings Yacht Charter
• First 40.7 (Beneteau) - Chicago Fleet
• Half Ton Class
• Micro Class (IMCCA)
• IOR 3/4 ton
• Farr 30 Class Association
• Figaro II Class (Beneteau)
• First 36.7 Association

Beneteau First 235

• André Bénéteau
• Andre Mauric
• Berret-Racoupeau
• Farr Yacht Design
• Finot / Conq Assoc.
• German Frers
• Groupe Finot
• Groupe Finot/Jean Beret
• Group Finot
• Jacques Fauroux
• Jean Berret
• Jean Berret/ Philippe Starck
• Jean Berret/Phillippe Starck
• Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot)
• Juan Kouyoumdjian
• Marc Lombard
• Pascal Conq
• Philippe Briand
• Philippe Stark
• Phillipe Briand

216 sailboats built by Beneteau

Beneteau First 25

Beneteau First 18

Beneteau Oceanis 311

Beneteau First Class 8

First 30 (Beneteau - Mauric)

Beneteau california 550, beneteau oceanis 321.

Beneteau First 36.7

Beneteau First 22

Beneteau First 24

Beneteau First 28

Beneteau First 40.7

Beneteau First 29

Beneteau First 265

Beneteau First 260 Spirit

Beneteau First 310

Beneteau First 345

Beneteau First 35

Beneteau First 285

First 30 E (Beneteau - Berret)

Beneteau First 35S5

Beneteau Oceanis 400

Beneteau Oceanis 281

Beneteau Evasion 25

Beneteau Evasion 32

Beneteau Oceanis 300

Beneteau Baroudeur

Beneteau 50

Beneteau california 660.

Beneteau California 470

Beneteau Figaro Solo

Beneteau First Class 7

Beneteau First Class 10

Beneteau Oceanis 331

Beneteau Figaro II

Beneteau moorings 38.

Moorings 38-2

Beneteau First Class 12

Beneteau 1 Ton

Beneteau first ims 40.7.

Beneteau Oceanis 48

Beneteau Cyclades 50.5

Beneteau Oceanis 411

Beneteau Oceanis 31

Beneteau First 33.7

Moorings 402cc.

Beneteau First 325

Beneteau Evasion 22

Beneteau First 235 SK

Beneteau Oceanis 37

Moorings 505.

Beneteau First Class Europe

Beneteau First 51

Beneteau 49

Moorings 51

Beneteau first 32s5 wk.

Beneteau First 40

Beneteau Oceanis 45

Moorings 43.3

Beneteau oceanis 350 wk, moorings 332.

Beneteau Oceanis 430

Beneteau oceanis 35.

Beneteau First 42S7

Beneteau 46

Beneteau sense 55.

Beneteau First 35-2

Beneteau First 27

Beneteau sense 43.

Beneteau First Class 7.5

Moorings 432

Beneteau forban mkii.

Beneteau 423

Beneteau First 305

First 45 (Beneteau - Briand)

Beneteau Oceanis 361

Beneteau piranha 17, beneteau r/c 35.

Beneteau First 211

Beneteau 25 Platu

Beneteau Oceanis 34

Moorings 382.

Beneteau Idylle 8.80

Beneteau 361.

Beneteau Oceanis 55

Beneteau Oceanis 323

Beneteau Cyclades 51.5

Beneteau First 38

Beneteau oceanis 440.

Beneteau 373

Beneteau guppy.

Beneteau 43

Beneteau Oceanis 510

Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC

Beneteau First 25S

Beneteau Blue II

Moorings 37.2.

Beneteau Oceanis 54

Beneteau Idylle 1550

Beneteau 44 cc, beneteau oceanis clipper 523.

Beneteau Oceanis 320

Beneteau Oceanis 390

Beneteau 37

Beneteau First 300

Beneteau First 42

Beneteau Escapade

Beneteau Oceanis 41

Beneteau 343, beneteau cabochard.

Beneteau 393

Moorings 463, beneteau first 210, beneteau blue 41.

Beneteau Oceanis 58

Beneteau First 53F5

Beneteau Idylle 1150

Beneteau Capelan

Beneteau First 27.7

Beneteau Oceanis 42 CC

Beneteau First 435

Beneteau Oceanis 461

Beneteau First 26

Beneteau 34

Moorings 39, beneteau 36.7, beneteau 34.7, moorings 50.5, beneteau first 42sf.

Beneteau Evasion 36

Beneteau Oceanis 370

Moorings 500.

Beneteau 31

Beneteau Oceanis 50

Beneteau First 35S7

Beneteau First 31.7

Beneteau sense 57.

Beneteau 523

Beneteau Kerlouan

Beneteau Oceanis 38

Beneteau Oceanis 400 CC

Beneteau First 50

Beneteau First Class Challenge

Beneteau r/c 42.

Beneteau First 375

Beneteau Oceanis 351

Beneteau Sense 46

Beneteau Evasion 29

Beneteau Sense 50

Beneteau Oceanis 40

Beneteau oceanis 311 lktr.

Beneteau Oceanis 35.1

Beneteau First 38S5

Beneteau first 20.

Beneteau 461

Beneteau Oceanis 473

Beneteau 331

Beneteau 411, beneteau oceanis 523.

Beneteau Oceanis 343

Beneteau First 10R

Beneteau Oceanis 381

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

Beneteau Evasion 37

Moorings 51.5

Beneteau First 41S5

Beneteau 473

Beneteau First 45F5

Beneteau First 36S7

Beneteau 40

Beneteau Oceanis 352

Farr 30 (mumm 30).

Beneteau Oceanis 350

Beneteau First 47.7

Beneteau stardust 311.

Beneteau Evasion 28

Beneteau Oceanis 60

Beneteau First 44.7

Beneteau first 25.7.

Beneteau Cyclades 39.3

Beneteau oceanis 423.

Beneteau Idylle 1050

Beneteau Oceanis 44 CC

Beneteau Evasion 34

First 45 (Beneteau - Farr)

Beneteau Oceanis 46

Beneteau Oceanis 500

Beneteau oceanis 51.1.

Beneteau 57

Beneteau First 32S5

Beneteau oceanis 393, beneteau galion.

Beneteau 62

Beneteau First 25 SK

Beneteau First 32

Beneteau Idylle 1350

Beneteau 323

Beneteau Forban MKI

Beneteau First 405

Beneteau First 456

Beneteau fletan, beneteau first 47.7 race, beneteau stardust 433.

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62

Moorings 41.3, moorings 362-3.

Beneteau 311

First 30 (Beneteau - Juan K.)

Beneteau cyclades 43.3, beneteau first 35.7, beneteau sense 51, beneteau first 21.7, first 30 es (beneteau - berret).

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What is Beneteau and why should you by one

Dive into our extensive guide on Beneteau sailboats. Discover insightful perspectives, arguments and competitors - everything you need to set sail on a Beneteau

October 20, 2023

Date Posted:

June 28, 2023

Beneteau is a renowned French company that manufactures a wide variety of boats, including sailboats. The company was established in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau and has grown over the decades to become one of the leading boat manufacturers worldwide.

The Beneteau brand is synonymous with innovation, quality, and seaworthiness. They produce different sailboats designed for various uses, from cruising to racing. The company’s sailboat range includes small boats for casual sailing, larger yachts for extended cruising, and even high-performance boats for competitive sailing.

Beneteau’s most popular sailboat lines included the Oceanis, First, and Sense series.

• The Oceanis line is designed for comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for cruising and liveaboard sailors. These boats are known for their spacious interiors, excellent build quality, and efficient sailing characteristics.
• The First series is targeted towards racing and performance-oriented sailing. These boats have sleek, streamlined designs and are built for speed while still offering some cruising comforts.
• The Sense series offers a unique blend of sailing performance and liveaboard comfort, with features designed for long-distance blue water cruising. They are known for their innovative layouts that provide an easy and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

3 reasons to buy a Beneteau sailboat

Versatility and variety.

Beneteau offers a diverse range of boats to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a performance-oriented sailboat for racing, a comfortable yacht for leisurely cruising, or a motorboat for fishing and day trips, Beneteau has options that cater to a wide spectrum of boating enthusiasts. The extensive range allows you to find a boat that aligns closely with your intended usage and style preferences.

Innovation and Modern Features

Beneteau is known for staying at the forefront of technological innovations and incorporating modern features in its boats. The company’s boats often come equipped with cutting-edge navigational systems, efficient hull designs, and luxurious amenities that enhance comfort and performance. A Beneteau boat can be an appealing choice for someone who values modernity and state-of-the-art features.

Global Support and Resale Value

Owning a Beneteau comes with the assurance of a broad global support network, thanks to the brand’s international presence. This makes it relatively easy to access service and maintenance, even if you are cruising in different parts of the world. Additionally, Beneteau’s reputation as a reliable and well-regarded brand often translates to strong resale values. For those who may wish to upgrade or sell their boat in the future, this can be an important financial consideration.

Beneteau is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world and has an extensive history that spans over a century. Beneteau was founded in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau, a shipbuilder who began by building fishing boats in the Vendée region of France. Over the years, the company expanded its operations to include both sailboats and motorboats, and it is now a multinational company with a presence in multiple countries worldwide.

Innovation and Design : Beneteau is known for its innovative designs and use of modern technology. The company has introduced numerous design features that have influenced the boating industry. For example, they were among the first boat builders to use GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) to construct their boats, which is now standard in the industry.

Global Presence : The company operates internationally, with dealerships and manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, including the United States and Poland. Beneteau’s boats are sold all over the world.

Environmental Responsibility : Beneteau is committed to environmental responsibility. The company strives to minimize the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives over the years.

Heritage and Reputation : With over a century of experience, Beneteau has a strong heritage and reputation in the boating industry. The brand is synonymous with reliability, and owning a Beneteau can be seen as an endorsement of quality.

Innovation and Technology : Beneteau is known for incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative designs in their boats. They have been pioneers in many aspects, including hull design and manufacturing techniques. This means that with a Beneteau, you’re likely getting some of the latest features and innovations.

Wide Range of Options : Beneteau offers a diverse range of sailboats, from small, performance-oriented models to large, luxurious cruising yachts. This diversity makes it easier for buyers to find a boat that fits their specific needs and preferences.

Resale Value : Beneteau sailboats generally have good resale values due to the brand’s reputation and demand in the used boat market. This can be an important consideration for buyers looking at the total cost of ownership over time.

Global Support and Dealership Network : As an international brand, Beneteau has an extensive dealership and service network across the globe. This makes it easier to find service and support for your boat, no matter where you are.

Comfort and Liveability : Many Beneteau models, especially in the Oceanis range, are designed with a focus on comfort and liveability. They often feature spacious interiors, efficient layouts, and amenities that make them suitable for extended cruising and living aboard.

Performance : Particularly in their First series, Beneteau has models that are performance-oriented and well-regarded in the racing community. This is ideal for sailors who are looking to participate in regattas or who simply enjoy a more sporty sailing experience.

Community : Owning a Beneteau can also provide you with access to a community of fellow owners. There are clubs and associations for Beneteau owners, and being part of this community can be both socially rewarding and practical, as experienced owners can be a good source of advice and support.

Motorboats : In addition to sailboats, Beneteau also manufactures a wide range of motorboats. These include small outboard motorboats, larger inboard cruisers, and luxury motor yachts. They also have ranges of powerboats for different uses, from day-boating to cruising and luxury yachting.

Beneteau competitors

Beneteau has several competitors in the sailboat and motorboat markets. The boating industry is quite diverse, and the major competitors can vary depending on the type and size of the boat. Here are some of the notable competitors in the sailboat market:

• Jeanneau : Like Beneteau, Jeanneau is a French brand often considered one of Beneteau’s closest competitors. They offer a similar range of sailboats known for quality and performance. Interestingly, Beneteau and Jeanneau are part of the same parent group, Groupe Beneteau.
• Bavaria Yachtbau : A German brand, Bavaria is known for producing well-built sailboats and motorboats. Their Cruiser and Vision series of sailboats are particularly popular among cruising enthusiasts.
• HanseYachts AG : Another German manufacturer, Hanse produces a range of modern and innovative sailboats. They are known for their easy handling, performance, and customizable designs.
• Dufour Yachts : Also based in France, Dufour manufactures cruising sailboats known for their performance, quality, and comfort. They have a range of models suitable for both coastal and blue-water cruising.
• Catalina Yachts : An American brand, Catalina Yachts produces a range of sailboats known for their durability and value. They have a loyal following, particularly in the United States.
• Hunter Marine : This is another American brand well-known for producing cruising sailboats. They offer boats with a good balance of comfort, ease of use, and performance.
• Elan Yachts : Based in Slovenia, Elan builds performance-oriented cruising sailboats. They are known for incorporating innovative features and designs in their boats.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Building a New Beneteau

The building process that gives rise to the Beneteau Oceanis 41 begins in France, where digital design files stir a five-axis cutter to life, and 3D foam patterns begin to take shape. These robotically cut male plugs are used to fabricate female molds, often referred to as “tools.” The hull and deck are the major molds, but there are often 20 or more smaller tools created that are used to mold other interior and exterior components—ranging from locker lids to a plinth for the marine head. All of the tooling for each Beneteau is made in the prototype shop in France and is shipped to factories around the world.

The Oceanis 41 is built for the U.S. market in Beneteau’s Marion, S.C. factory. The hulls are laid up in a tilting, open-transom mold, and the process is tightly controlled. Once the mold surface has been polished and a release agent has been applied, an even amount of gelcoat is sprayed onto the highly polished surface. The layup crew must time the next step to begin just as the gelcoat sets and partially cures but is not yet fully hardened. The goal is to have the “still green” gelcoat chemically link with what’s referred to as a skin coat, a combination of vinylester resin and chop strand mat. These two steps produce a smooth, glossy outer hull surface and a backup barrier that acts as an impermeable water block. This two-fold, high-resin content outer layer also helps prevent unwanted fabric print through. Success hinges on well-trained spray applicators and laminators ready to use serrated rollers to manually drive air bubbles out of the laminate.

The E- glass laminate schedule for each boat is CNC machine cut and layered to add more reinforcement in high load regions of the hull. Beneteau continues to favor a solid glass hull that’s stiffened by the addition of a molded grid/liner. The latter is bonded to the fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) hull and provides both a finished inner surface as well as crucial attachment surfaces for bulkheads, interior joiner work, and even engine beds. The alignment of this crucial member is as important as the bonding process itself, and a jig aligned with the hull is used to make sure both parts properly line up.

The complex deck structure—made in a closed molded FRP infusion process—does not go on until most of the interior has gone into the boat. Components are bonded with a urethane adhesive; there’s ample surface area, and a 360-degree approach to this adhesive fastening process. Careful surface preparation and lots of adhesive R&D ensures that the parts bonded in place stay where they belong over the long haul.

The keel stub and keel bolts tie in with the grid structure, and the same goes for the upper and lower rudder bearings. Once most of the larger pieces of the interior, tanks, and engine are in place, the deck is aligned with the hull using a positioning jig, and the overhead gantry lowers the deck onto a bead of polyurethane adhesive. Mechanical fasteners are used to hold the parts in place during the curing process. Even though the adhesive quality of the sealant is strong enough to do the job all on its own, the fasteners are left for belt-and-suspenders security.

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Beneteau Sailboats: From Family Shop to Global Hit

Eleanor Beardsley

Fifty years ago, Beneteau was a small, family-owned company that made fishing boats in a French village. Now it's the world's top sailboat maker, with dealers in 50 countries. Reporter Eleanor Beardsley has more on the woman who transformed the company.

A worker puts the finishing touches on a boat at the Beneteau factory on the French Atlantic coast. Eleanor Beardsley for NPR hide caption

A worker puts the finishing touches on a boat at the Beneteau factory on the French Atlantic coast.

Related NPR Stories

High fuel prices keep boats docked, captain fatty lives the high life on the high seas, boating industry slump could signal recession.

RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:

And moving us now from land to water for a story about the business of sailing. The French company Beneteau is the world's top maker of sailboats. Fifty years ago, it started out as just a small family-run business making fishing boats. And here's Eleanor Beardsley with a profile of the woman who transformed Beneteau into a global success story.

(SOUNDBITE OF SEAGULLS)

ELEANOR BEARDSLEY: Never mind that Beneteau is the leading player in the multimillion dollar sailing industry. The company's headquarters still sit on the waterfront in the quiet Atlantic coast fishing village of Saint Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It was here that Benjamin Beneteau began making tuna boats and trawlers in the 1880s. Almost a century later the company changed course in the hands of Beneteau's granddaughter - 21-year-old Annette Beneteau Roux. Under her stewardship, Beneteau has grown from 17 to 6,000 employees.

MONTAGNE: (Through translator) You have to put yourself in the context of the 1960s and the decline of the fishing industry. Beneteau would've disappeared like many companies. My husband told me even though I was a girl of 21, I could still run the company. So we came out with the first pleasure boat. The rest is history.

BEARDSLEY: Plant manager Florence Grube(ph) says Beneteau builds 10,000 boats a year.

(SOUNDBITE OF SAW)

MONTAGNE: (French spoken)

BEARDSLEY: Roux attributes the company's success over the long term to what she calls Beneteau's soul.

MONTAGNE: (Through translator) It hasn't always been easy, but I've always had faith in the deep know-how in this company. We have values that go back to our beginning. Almost like genes.

BEARDSLEY: Eric Stromberg is a production manager.

MONTAGNE: Everything that you see happening in the automobile industry in terms of the comfort you see now coming into boats. People now live in a high design world. They drive high design cars. And they expect that from their boat as well.

BEARDSLEY: For NPR News, I'm Eleanor Beardsley in Saint Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France.

Copyright © 2008 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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• Jeanneau NC 895, Proudly Built in the USA

Located just 95 miles north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, sits the city of Cadillac, population 10,355. Switching continents, the city of Les Herbiers (pronounced “Laser-B-A”), population 15,500, sits about 45 miles south of France’s fifth largest city of Nantes (pronounced “Naunt”). At first glance, other than population-size, the two cities don’t appear to have a whole lot in common but if you’ll bear with me I’ll explain where I’m going with this.

So in 1957,  Henri Jeanneau  founded the Jeanneau Shipyard in Les Herbiers, initially producing small wooden runabouts.  Five years later in 1962, in the city of Cadillac, the  Four Winns  brand was founded also building small runabouts. Boat builders tend to stick together and as luck would have it, today, some 55 plus years later, both brands are owned by  Groupe Beneteau  where not only is experience and technologies shared but production facilities as well.

Groupe Beneteau has a long history of building boats in America going back 30 years with the opening of the factory in Marion, SC in 1986. But up until now, US production has been reserved for only the  Beneteau  and  Jeanneau sailboats . This has now changed with the production of the very popular  Jeanneau NC 895  in Cadillac, the very first Jeanneau powerboat to roll down a US production line.

A BIG thumbs up from Team Cadillac with Rick Videan (top left), John Russell (top right) and John Tripp (bottom left) along with members from Team Jeanneau including Nick Harvey (top center), Mathias Capurro (middle left), Paul Fenn (middle center), and Olivier Grossin (middle right) on board the NC 895, hull #3

“This is such a fantastic opportunity for us to really serve the American market with our powerboats as we have with our sailboats. We are so excited to be working with the our friends in Cadillac.”   Nick Harvey, President, Jeanneau America.

It’s a rather big deal to make the commitment to build boats in America. First and foremost it takes a dedicated team with lots of experience and knowhow building quality boats. And while I’m not an overly technical, industrial sort of a guy, after spending a couple of days with the people in Cadillac and touring the factory there, I was pretty impressed. Not just with the work ethic here but the overall spirit. It reminded me of another group of boat builders I know, one that I have worked closely with for the past 20 years, from a city not unlike Cadillac, in France, called Les Herbiers. And you know something, while we may live in a big world, in our world, the world of boats and water, and having fun, in the end, we are not so different, and this to me is pretty cool.

The Jeanneau NC 895 will be making the boat show rounds this winter throughout North America. It’s a fantastic boat, so be sure to climb aboard. It will be easy to spot by its sporty looks and twin outboards on the back. Oh and by the large sticker on its side reading,  Proudly Built in the USA!

It takes a Factory! The team from Cadillac takes time out for a photo-op in front of the very first NC 895 to be produced in Cadillac, MI USA

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Beneteau Boats

By Jeff Hemmel | March 2023

Learn more about Beneteau boats by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.

Beneteau is one of Europe’s oldest boat builders . Founded in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau in the French port city of Croix-de-Vie, early fishing-oriented boats were designed with two goals — to be durable enough to handle the North Atlantic waters and fast enough to be first back to shore with the day’s catch. Today, Beneteau is still known for these core traits but has evolved from the builder’s early commercial-fishing roots to become one of Europe’s leading builders of recreational power and sail boats. Powerboat models include the Flyer range of day boats from 21’ – 34’, Antares outboard-powered cruisers from 24’ – 36’, Gran Turismo express cruisers from 32’ -48’, long-distance Swift Trawlers from 37’ – 48’ and the flagship 62’ Grand Trawler .Power options span from gasoline-powered outboards to gasoline and diesel-powered sterndrives, diesel inboards and Volvo Penta’s IPS Inboard Performance System .

On this page:

Quick overview.

• Types of Boats
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Beneteau currently produces a variety of models divided between the day boat, cruiser, express cruiser and trawler categories.

Types of Beneteau Boats

Beneteau manufacturers a variety of both power and sail boat models. The Powerboat line includes Flyer day boats from 21’ – 34’, Antares outboard-powered cruisers from 24’ – 36’, Gran Turismo express cruisers from 32’ -48’, long-distance Swift Trawlers from 37’ – 48’ and the flagship 62’ Grand Trawler .

• Available in both open-bow and enclosed-bow designs from 21’ – 34’, the Flyer range of dayboats is designed with cruising, performance, entertaining and watersports in mind.
• Enclosed-bow SUNdeck models offer sunbathing lounges topside and cabins with berths, toilets or enclosed heads, and galley variations below.
• Open-bow SPACEdecks maximize passenger space with forward bow seating that converts to a roomy sunpad, cockpits that focus on cruising or fishing and, on larger models, open cabins with toilets and modular cockpits to enhance socializing.
• Models include Flyer 7 SPACEdeck , Flyer 7 SUNDeck , Flyer 8 SPACEdeck , Flyer 8 SUNdeck , Flyer 9 SPACEdeck , Flyer 9 SUNdeck and Flyer 10 .
• Six models from 24’ – 36’, the Antares line of cruisers includes the Antares 7 , Antares 8 , Antares 8 Fishing , Antares 9 , Antares 11 and Antares 11 Fly .
• Each is defined by an enclosed pilothouse , inviting cabin, flared hull and outboard engine power.
• Models include traditional weekend cruiser designs as well as flybridge and fishing-focused models .
• Highlights include open-feeling wheelhouses with large salons , below-deck cabin with seating that connects to forward berths, enclosed head compartments with toilet and shower, and galleys with refrigerator sink and stove.
• Sleek express cruisers from 32’-48’, Gran Turismo models include the Gran Turismo 32 , Gran Turismo 36 , Gran Turismo 41 and Gran Turismo 45 .
• Common style elements include a recessed forward deck with sun lounges to soak up the rays, hardtop-covered cockpit with large window to maintain a bright and open feel, and open aft cockpit area that can be used for seating, entertaining or sunbathing.
• Below deck, roomy cabins include a forward berth/dinette, mid-cabin berth, galley and enclosed heads.
• Depending on size, power options extend from twin outboard or twin sterndrive configurations to Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) .
• Designed with the long-distance traveler in mind, Swift Trawlers — including the Swift Trawler 35 , Swift Trawler 41 Fly , Swift Trawler 41 Sedan and Swift Trawler 48 — are seaworthy vessels that combine safety and stability with comfortable accommodations.
• Styles include traditional , flybridge and sedan models.
• Topside, enclosed wheelhouses pair with main salons that offer aft galleys and abundant passenger seating. The latter often doubles as sleeping space.
• Below deck, as many as three cabins combine with up to two enclosed head compartments and shower to guarantee a comfortable excursion.
• Power is provided by a choice of shaft-line drives from Volvo Penta .
• The ultimate flagship in Beneteau’s trawler family, the Grand Trawler 62 provides passengers luxurious accommodations no matter how long the voyage.
• A large flybridge includes wetbar and table seating. Below, the wheelhouse is matched with large galley, dining area and salon.
• Below deck, the guest cabin in the bow and midship owner suite take full advantage of the boat’s generous beam for hotel-like room. Or, reconfigure the layout to create as many as four cabins and multiple head compartments.

Beneteau Brands

In addition to the Beneteau line, Group Beneteau owns the Jeaneau, Prestige, Delphia, Four Winns, Wellcraft, Scarab, Glastron and Monte Carlo Yachts brands.

Builders of upscale yachts, cruisers , dayboats and fish/dive-friendly center-consoles.

A luxury-minded lineup of multi-hull motor yachts from 48’-65’ and V-hull models from 42’ – 72’.

Four Winns builds a variety of open bow sport boats , including sterndrive and outboard-powered bowriders from 20’ – 30’, hybrid deckboats from 22’ – 26’, and a Surf series from 22’ – 26’ powered by forward-facing sterndrives.

Once known for go-fast speedboats , today Wellcraft produces a line of outboard-powered center consoles from 20’ – 35’.

Scarab produces a line of performance-minded, open-bow sport boats and a single center-console, all powered by Rotax jet-propulsion engines. Models span from 16’ – 25’.

Glastron produces a broad range of bowriders , deck boats, and wake surf-specific models ranging in size from 19’ – 24. Power options include outboard, sterndrive and wake-surf-friendly, forward-facing sterndrives.

Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 10 Beneteau boats . These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety .

More Beneteau Boats >>

Group Beneteau Videos

Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Group Beneteau boats. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff , enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.

Beneteau Boat Tests

Boat Test: Jeanneau Leader 10.5 S2

2022 Four Winns H4

2023 Scarab 255 ID

Faqs about beneteau boats.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Beneteau boats, including the types of boats Beneteau makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Beneteau boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Beneteau builds a diverse list of models, divided between the day boat, cruiser, express cruiser and trawler categories.

Powerboat models include the Flyer range of day boats from 21’ – 34’, Antares outboard-powered cruisers from 24’ – 36’, Gran Turismo express cruisers from 32’ -48’, long-distance Swift Trawlers from 37’ – 48’ and the flagship 62’ Grand Trawler.

Beneteau is headquartered in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France. The company operates multiple factories in the country and in the United States.

Beneteau boats use a variety of engines, including single and twin gasoline outboard configurations, gasoline and diesel sterndrives, diesel inboards and Volvo Penta’s IPS (Inboard Performance System).

Beneteau offers a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural issues for 7 years and parts and labor for 3 years. For more details visit beneteau.com .

Yes, Beneteau boats are easy to maintain. Basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull , keeping engine compartments clean and dry, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Beneteau boat looking and performing like new for years to come. Boats left in the water should have hulls cleaned yearly to remove marine growth; anti-fouling paint on submerged areas of the hull should also be applied. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including yearly engine service, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Factory-recommended service should be performed at an authorized Beneteau dealer.

Beneteau’s Flyer line is designed with recreational watersports — including inflatable tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding — in mind. Beneteau’s Airstep hulls provide quick acceleration and skiing-friendly top speeds. Amenities include aft tow bars that raise the towrope over the boat’s outboard engine, easy access to aft swim platforms and deep-water reboarding ladders.

Beneteau has a vast dealer network spread over five continents. Find your local Beneteau dealer here .

How to Care for a Beneteau

How to properly flush your boat’s motor.

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Common Issues With Beneteau Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Beneteau sailboats are well-made and durable, but these vessels have a few common issues that are exacerbated by age and poor maintenance.

The most common issues with used Beneteau sailboats are strange creaking sounds, fiberglass cracking or delamination, deck core rot, corrosion, keel separation, interior wear, and various wiring and electrical problems.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the issues that you may encounter on older Beneteau sailboats. We’ll go over why these issues occur, how to spot them, and a brief overview of how to repair them. Additionally, we’ll explain why Beneteau sailboats have slightly fewer problems than similar production sailboats.

We sourced the information used in this article from careful research. We also drew off the collective knowledge of the sailing community and the testimony of past and current Beneteau owners.

Table of contents

‍ Are Beneteau Sailboats Well-Made?

Yes, Beneteau sailboats are just as well-made as any other popular production fiberglass boat. The company has produced thousands of affordable boats over the years, and the vast majority of them enjoy years or decades of trouble-free sailing—with regular maintenance, of course.

Former sailboat salesmen sometimes describe Beneteau as “the Ford of the sailboat industry,” alluding that they’re a bit nicer than the other entry-level brands but not quite top-of-the-line. However, modern Beneteau sailboats are much more premium.

Newer Beneteau sailboats are just as high-quality as the old ones—and sometimes better. These vessels have a reputation for quality parts, and few sailors regard them as cheaply-built boats. The cabinet materials, hull glassing, and fittings are generally good from the factory.

Why do Beneteau Sailboats Have Problems?

Beneteau sailboats are some of the better-built production fiberglass boats on the used market. They’re usually stronger than other similarly-priced sailboats due to their hull reinforcements, and many of their fittings are the same as similar vessels and manufactured by third-party companies.

The main reason why we see problems with Beneteau sailboats is due to their age and lower price point. People don’t always take care of their stuff, and most Beneteau sailboats fall victim to time and varying levels of natural deterioration.

Beneteau sailboats aren’t any more or less prone to problems. That said, there are some common issues found on older Beneteau boats that you’re likely to encounter on other sailboats as well.

Common Beneteau Sailboat Problems

Beneteau sailboats are generally well-made and long-lasting, even if previous owners haven’t been 100% on top of maintenance. However, Beneteau sailboats have some generational problems that are common enough to discuss.

Additionally, as the older boats age, the sailing community is becoming aware of potential shortcomings in their construction and design. Luckily, most of these issues can be repaired—if caught early and dealt with promptly. Here are seven of the most common problems with Beneteau sailboats.

1. Strange Noises

Ever heard an old house start to complain on a windy day? The same issue is known to occur on older Beneteau sailboats, but it’s usually not a huge cause for concern. Nonetheless, it’s nerve-wracking for sailors and sometimes a sign of a more serious problem.

When sailing, some Beneteau sailboats will creak and moan—especially in rough seas or high winds. This is likely due to stress on the chainplates, stays, and rigging as pressures are exerted on them. Boats naturally have a certain amount of flex, and sometimes it produces noise.

What’s more concerning is when the noises are a sign of wear on key components or a weakening of the vessel’s structure. This is apparent if you notice cracks around chainplates in the fiberglass or if you see any critical components flexing under normal strain.

2. Fiberglass Delamination

Delamination occurs when fiberglass is exposed to sunlight and weather for extended periods, and the process is worsened by poor or non-existent hull and deck maintenance. Beneteau sailboats are made from multiple layers of fiberglass and a laminate, which can separate from each other over time and weaken the boat.

Delamination can also expose the core to moisture, which can spell disaster for the boat. Luckily, delamination is easy to spot and somewhat easy for amateurs to repair with a kit from West Marine. Any delamination, especially on the deck, should be repaired as soon as you notice it.

3. Weakened or Soft Decks

Deck weakening is caused by moisture which rots the organic core that supports the fiberglass. Not all boats are built this way, but the vast majority of Beneteau sailboats are constructed with a cored deck.

This is a problem that occurs on most fiberglass boats and is not disproportionately common on Beneteau sailboats. So, how do decks go soft, and why is it such a big problem?

Beneteau decks go soft when moisture gets behind the fiberglass. Eventually, once the core has turned to rotten goo, the deck will feel springy or spongy when you step on it. If the problem persists, you could (quite literally) fall through the deck.

Rotten decks can be a nightmare to fix. Usually, the rotted section must be completely cut out and redone with fiberglass and plywood or another structural material. If the rot is isolated, the repair can be completed without too much of a headache.

Beneteau boats with teak decks can also experience rot, as unmaintained wood can weaken and become a splintery mess over years or decades of neglect. A rotted teak deck can be repaired piece by piece. But more often than not, an entirely new deck must be cut and installed.

4. Corrosion

Corrosion is common on Beneteau sailboats, especially the older vessels that have been exposed to the weather for decades. This is why it’s important to cover your winches and keep valuable parts out of the sun and rain.

Corrosion occurs most often on chainplates, rigging, winches, and other metal parts. It can also happen on the mast and boom, especially if the wrong kind of bolts and washers are used. Again, this is a problem that’s due primarily to the age and condition of the vessel.

5. Keel Failure

The dreaded keel failure is one of the most severe problems that can occur on a Beneteau sailboat without sinking it. This occurs because of the design of Beneteau sailboats, which commonly use fin keels of some sort that are laden with heavy ballast.

The keel is mounted to the hull using heavy-duty bolts. It’s not part of the hull—but an additional piece that can separate under the right circumstances. This is usually the result of running aground or bolt corrosion, but there are numerous ways it can happen.

So, how often do keels fall off Beneteau sailboats? Hardly ever—what’s more common is a loosening of the keel, which can rock back and forth and progressively increase the severity of the problem and possibly cause flooding.

If the keel separates, you should have it repaired immediately. This can be done by any competent boatyard, but it isn’t a cheap repair. You can spot a loose keel by looking for cracks or obvious lines around the point where the keel meets the bottom of the hull.

Thankfully, keel separation and failure is relatively rare on Beneteau boats and less common than on other less expensive brands. Vessels should be inspected out of the water if keel separation is suspected.

6. Interior Wear

Beneteau sailboat interiors have always been pretty good, but over time things begin to get loose and worn out. Common points of failure are hinges, which sometimes pull their screws out of wooden cabinets and doors.

Drawers can sometimes become jammed, as early models were built without modern metal sliders. Leaks around hatches and portlights can also occur, especially towards the front of the boat over the V-berth and around ventilation cowls.

This allows rainwater to enter the cabin and cause mold and sometimes leads to deck rot. If water gets into the cabin, even for a short time, there’s a good chance it’ll ruin the upholstery, which must be replaced.

7. Wiring and Electrical Issues

Beneteau sailboats have a pretty good writing layout, but there are a few annoying design decisions that can be difficult to repair. Wiring can corrode if exposed to moisture, and the boat may need to be extensively rewired to get lights and other systems to work.

It may be worth it to disconnect the source and leave old wiring in place, as it can be impossible to locate or remove old cables or re-thread new ones. This would be a bigger issue if the previous owner jerry-rigged anything into the original wiring, as diagrams won’t show it.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Better Sailing

Beneteau vs. Catalina: Which Is a Better Sailboat?

The Beneteau and Catalina have both been exceptional in the art of boat building over the years. Discussing them side by side is more like a privilege than a comparison, per se.

For years, the Catalina Boat Company has built quite the selection of boats that qualify as built to last and authentic crafts for sailing purposes. Catalina boats are primarily made to be durable, made for the reasons of lasting in real-world conditions and not exceeding their value in terms of the market price. Beneteau makes sure your comfort needs are fully met as you take on that holiday cruise with optimal sailing performance to deliver a totally worth-it trip, made also are their boats with durability and stability in mind. Catalina and Beneteau boats are usually unique because of the excellent value in the resale market.

Quick History

As Catalina’s infamous history is told, it started with nothing but a vision. Mr. Frank Butler turned a single dream of making a 22- foot trailer able with enough power and grace to sail the distant waters into Catalina Yachts in the year 1970.

Beneteau Benjamin was a shipwright who founded the Beneteau company in the year 1884 in France. Their fiberglass boats to hold in the market later in the ninety sixties.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 40 Feet

Types of Boats Produced From Beneteau and Catalina

Well, Catalina prides itself in the production of exactly three Series of boats. They have in their broad range of brilliantly fashioned sailboats. The Sports Series, the Cruiser Series, and lastly, the Ocean Series. Even their Sports series are crafted having the accommodation of family in mind in a portable but enough for day sailing 8-27 foot sailboats. While the Cruiser brings a very spacious interior to the game with mid-sized 31-35 feet. Also, the Ocean Series 38-44 footers take the cake in everything, onboard comfort, night sailing, aboard living, deeper sea sailing and even muster up a race if your rich friends are up for it.

Beneteau started to revolutionize sailing by making their pioneer fishing boats, fist cruisers, and beginner dinghy sailing in 1965. In 1973, Andre Beneteau began the Evasion series with the ketch names Evasion 32. Beneteau’s First Yachts came into play in 1977 singlehandedly designed by Andre Beneteau, but in 1982, he combined with Figaro to make the First Class 8; a real racer and the first of its kind for the boat company. Also, in the same year that California came out, a fishing boat that will trawl well near the coast did.

With the Oceanis 350, a new brand of unique sailing yachts was birthed in 1986, and the generation continued to evolve till they became a reference point that can’t be left unmentioned in world cruising discussion groups, measuring from 32-60 feet depending on the model, these baddies are decked with the best hands-on characteristics that make them drop-dead gorgeous. 2005 when they added the Cyclades series to their brand’s broad range of boats, a boat that is capable of doing all and for not so much in terms of cost.

>>Also Read: Aluminum vs Steel Boat: Which Is Better?

Beneteau promises to make your boat more like a holiday home than a racing boat in terms of comfort, luxury, and coziness. Say the charter company, that you have employed their services to give a boat tour of the Seychelles Islands have an Oceanis 46.1 or any Beneteau Sense models sitting in the docks and you don’t really know what to expect in terms of comfort, our counsel to you is to not worry. This is because Beneteau has got all your luxurious cruising demands down to detail, and your family will feel so at ease on this sea mansion you got them on.

There are cabins, each with double island beds of an area of 5’3 to 6″7 feet, a shower room, and an independent head. Each boat usually includes a very comfortable master cabin that ordinarily you should only expect with a much larger yacht or liner. Guess what, the aft guest rooms always come with generous headspace and also face the bow.

“What’s more?” did you ask? Okay, how about the easy movement afforded on board by the kind of safety rails that Beneteau uses. The deck is shroud-free, and the handrails are not lacking, thus allowing ease of transit from hull to deck in no time and with minimum risk.

If a boat is fast, comfortable, spacious, and safe enough to have family or kids on, what more could you ask for? Just ask Catalina. They have made a combination of the aforementioned features just for the good of the sailing public. Also, they also have inserted this essence into every one of their building blueprints, and for years they have also upheld the same qualities in all their boats. They put into consideration the provision of a very roomy cockpit with tall coamings installed for secure seating and with a very large cockpit table that’s accommodating for a large family or friends of up to 6 adults. Stainless steel handrails are used on the cabin top for safety assurance and ease of movement. The Catalina 445 is really a case study of over-pampering luxury and does have all the aforementioned features and more.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Value Retention

The Catalina boats in their diverse Series are well known and praised for their value retention because of their models’ sturdy nature. Their boats are built to last, and therefore, when reselling, most things seem and are in good condition even after a considerable amount of years.

What the Beneteau cruise sailboats lack in sportiness, they make up in durability. Beneteau boats are assets that can hold down their original value for quite some time. They do this with only the minimum cost of maintenance due to the warranties they have got in place covering several parts of their boats and over a good number of years too.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Built Quality

Both boats obviously have a reputation to protect on this particular aspect. Therefore, so as to not unintentionally sabotage any of them in this short comparison, I’ll go ahead and first say that they are both capable boatyards that know how to make strong, durable, efficient, and environmentally safe boats with the right materials.

Catalina makes use of standard equipment and materials to make their boats in their boatyards. The hull is a one-piece fiberglass hull with an end-grain balsa core sandwich with a Vinylester integral barrier to resist osmosis . The grid and deck are also all one-piece fiberglass. The material for the keel is lead and adjoined to the hull with stainless steel attaching bolts.

Beneteau makes use of resin and balsa core to make their hull. This balsa core permits resin quantity reduction in each hull constituent while still maintaining the desired structural strength while the resin constituent reduction in the hull equals less weight. Alpi Wood is the wood of choice in the Beneteau boatyards. Large-scale computer-assisted design to do certain fine detailed interior work like spray-finish sets and cutting has undoubtedly put a few workers on early retirement. Still, it provides the customer with the best design money can pay for.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboat Brands

Beneteau vs. Catalina – Final Thoughts

The Beneteau boatyard is centuries old (est.1884) in the business of making boats that are sailworthy. While Catalina became in the early 1970s, they both have one similar thing to offer all sailors who wish to patronize and be part of their family; that thing is durable and progressive boats.

Both Beneteau and Catalina built great all-around boats that will no disappoint, so choose the layout that best suits your needs and fits your budget. You really can’t go wrong with either brand. However, if I had to choose which one makes a better boat overall, I would pick Beneteau for the better of the two. Beneteau boats are overall better-built than Catalinas and more comfortable, but that is reflected on the price tag as well.

>>Also Read: Aluminum Vs Fiberglass Sailboat: Which Is Better?

Pro Tip:  If you are torn between buying a Beneteau and a Catalina boat but are unsure which one you should go for, then I strongly suggest that you charter each of the boats for at least a week. That way, you will find out which boat fit your needs better and which one you like better. That way, you can avoid making an expensive mistake 

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Lagoon is the world leader in the construction of cruising catamaran sailboats. Lagoon has built more than 6,000 catamarans since 1984 and has never stopped developing its offer with boats ranging from 40 to 78 feet in length. Lagoon’s intent is to offer comfortable and self-sufficient catamarans, produced in a sustainable way, equipped with the latest technologies, all for the satisfaction of today’s sailors.

Generosity and pleasure are our raison d’être. Our passion for open spaces and comfort on board is part of our genetic makeup.

Designed to offer a unique lifestyle on the water, Lagoon catamarans are the result of dreams of voyaging and a desire for freedom.

Lagoon is committed to sailing pleasure through simple and safe sail trimming. We put our know-how to work in the service of user-friendliness.

In 1987, Lagoon invented a new vision of comfort at sea, and thus the Lagoon 55 was born. This year, Lagoon has revisited this iconic model. With more than 30 years between them, these two models are a perfect reflection of their time.

An impeccable combination of innovation and seafaring spirit with attention to detail and creativity. A living space with multiple possibilities. An uncompromising opening to the sea. A model conceived by passionate designers for lovers of the sea in search of freedom.

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Boat Review: Beneteau First Yacht 53

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: February 20, 2020

A freshening breeze, ­building from near calm to the midteens, brought perfect conditions for a morning sail on the new Beneteau First Yacht 53. With sails up, our speed over the ground effortlessly matched that of the light breeze, and when things got puffy out on Chesapeake Bay a bit later, well, we went soaring.

Standing atop an angled fold-up helmsmen perch at the starboard wheel, with the lee rail close to buried and the windward rudder completely out of the water, I had the otherworldly feeling of flying across the water, and it was absolutely a thrill. Think high-end sports car winding through the gears on a twisting mountain road, and, well, you get the idea: Power on and knuckles white, but it was a ride you’d not want to miss.

Beneteau introduced the First range in 1977, with racing sailors in mind. Most recently, the French builder refreshed the line with several smaller, sporty models it acquired when it bought Seascape Yachts. The 53, though, is a whole new concept entirely. Luxury ­performance is how it’s put in the marketing material, and, in all honesty, that’s a pretty apt description.

Walking the docks at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, this past fall, the First 53’s plumb bow, slight reverse sheer, dark metallic hull, and broad deck and coach roof all covered in teak made it instantly stand out from the sea of white production cruisers. Even tied up, the boat looked ready to rip.

The First’s performance potential comes thanks to Biscontini Yacht Design and Roberto Biscontini, who earned his drawing creds over the course of two decades of America’s Cup campaigns. And the luxury? Well, Beneteau turned to Lorenzo Argento for deck and interior styling. Argento has been involved with a number of high-end projects, including Wally Yachts. Together, the pair created a vessel that’s easy to look at and riveting to sail.

A quick peak at the 53’s ­performance ratios, as well as a few other numbers, begins to tell the story. Its displacement-length ratio is a very sporty 118 (a fast-cruising X-Yacht clocks in at 161), while its sail area-displacement is a whopping 27.1—right on par with an all-out racer such as the Jeanneau Sunfast 3300’s SA/D of 27.6. And that’s for the standard First 53, which comes with an 8-foot-2-inch cast-iron T-keel and 85-foot aluminum mast. You can up the muscle power further by ordering the boat with a carbon-fiber rig that’s a full meter taller, and a 9-foot-10-inch performance T-keel with a lead bulb down deep, where it counts. Owners can choose sails of their liking, but Beneteau offers the 53 with a set from North Sails that includes North Panel Laminate main, 105 percent genoa and a code zero, so right out of the box, the boat’s regatta-ready.

On deck, the layout is at once simple, elegant and purposeful. All lines, including the double-ended mainsheet, run under panels back to twin helms, where controls for the electric below-deck jib furler, fold-down bow thruster, swim platform, house- and ­navigation-lighting systems, and matching sets of engine controls are mounted on pedestals, along with B&G plotters and instrument displays. Just forward of each wheel, a pair of Harken Performa electric winches sit adjacent to banks of line clutches.

The open transom is ­enclosed by lifelines, with a sturdy handhold on the centerline and solid stanchions and rails that curve around each quarter. With the boat heeling, these provide places for the crew to brace themselves if standing, or act as handholds when navigating the boat’s 16-plus-foot beam—a formidable amount of open space between steering stations.

Forward of the wheels, long cockpit seats await the crew. Each has its own teak table that does double duty as a sturdy place to grab if moving about. Beneteau has introduced a neat feature on this boat: The cockpit coamings drop to pass under the winches and past the wheels, giving crewmembers a place to sit when trimming, and the skipper a seat while steering. They don’t run all the way to the transom, though, which allows crew to pass behind either wheel and take an easy step up onto the deck when going forward. It was a detail I liked quite a bit, along with the 25-inch lifelines set atop 3-inch bulwarks all around.

Underway, I found that I had just about everything to maneuver the boat at my fingertips. As I said at the outset, conditions were light at first. In just under 5 knots of wind, we cranked along closehauled at nearly 6 knots. Later, with the breeze up to 15 or a little higher, the speedo hovered in the 8-to-9-knot range, and I saw 10 and a little more when we cracked off to a reach and unrolled the code zero.

My Beneteau-dealer shipmates suggested reefing the main at 13 to 14 knots. We didn’t, of course, and though we were overpowered a bit, judging by the angle of heel, the boat seemed to like it just fine, and so did we. And when it came time to tack, feathering up even a little quickly tamed things. There is no traveler available for the 53. Instead, the mainsheet runs through a centerline block mounted just forward of the wheels, the theory being that anyone paying in the $1.2 million ballpark for this size boat likely will spend more time cruising than racing.

Down below, Argento and Team Beneteau came up a refreshingly new approach to accommodations. White lacquered bulkheads and panels, coupled with a teak sole and molded wood furniture, kept the interior quite bright. In place of the traditional large dining area found in most boats these days, a well-equipped galley, complete with a home-size fridge, and a small dinette (expandable to seat six or so) took up the port side of the saloon. Opposite was a large L-shaped couch and small table for entertaining. Fiddles on counters and handholds were plentiful. And throughout the boat, lights and other electrical equipment were controlled by Beneteau’s proprietary Ship Control electrical system, which can be accessed using a smartphone.

The owner’s cabin was ­forward, and featured a split head and shower. Two more cabins were aft, with a shared head to starboard at the foot of the companionway. A three-cabin, three-head layout is also available, but it would cost you space in the galley.

The First 53’s hull and deck are cored and infused, with solid glass wherever hardware is mounted. An inner hull liner takes up loads from the mast, chainplates and engine. An 80 hp Yanmar diesel and saildrive come standard; the boat we tested was powered by the optional 110 Yanmar with shaft drive. Beneteau offers several other electronics and equipment packages as well.

If a boat is to be judged by how well it meets its design brief, the First Yacht 53 is already a winner. And did I mention? The sailing was out of this world.

Mark Pillsbury is CW ’s editor.

SPECIFICATIONS – Beneteau First Yacht 53

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Oceanis Yacht 54

Oceanis yacht 60.

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Specifications

Designers Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento have created a world of refinement in this 60-footer ocean-cruising yacht.

With a hull length of almost 18 meters, the Oceanis Yacht 60 has been designed with a remarkable and sophisticated silhouette that preserves its elegant design and excellent marine qualities.

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Biscontini Yacht Design INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DESIGN  : Lorenzo Argento

OPTIMUM DESIGN FOR SMOOTH SAILING

The new cockpit layout provides a sense of ease and security: access to the foredeck is made simple via deep side decks.

The two helm stations have been optimized so that all maneuver can be carried out without leaving the helm. Systems such as  Ship Control  and  Seanapps  provide control of all on-board systems and allow for easy maintenance.

The bimini is available in 2 configurations. The rigid version has a central section that can slide forward to adjust the amount of cover in the cockpit. The crew will always be able to find the best compromise between protection and ventilation.

The generous dinghy garage holds a 2.8 m jet-propelled tender. This tender is operated by an electric winch with a double wire system and guiding rollers to make it effortless to launch and raise.

STYLISH INTERIOR SPACE FOR SHARING IN GOOD COMPANY

The galley, positioned in the centre of the boat, extends across the entire width: on the port side, storage and refrigeration; on the starboard side, the sink, the oven and the dishwasher. There is substantial storage space and an innovative worktop layout.

The large salon offers seating for six people around the table and faces the sofa in the relaxing area. The curved chart table allows the navigator to participate in all the discussions on board. 

Available in a 3-cabin version with 3 heads, the Oceanis Yacht 60 comes with two different finishes: a standard walnut or optional light oak. Many molded wood features blend harmoniously with large lacquered white surfaces and are matched with exclusive upholstery. Together they create a distinctly stylish atmosphere.

The luxurious and relaxing owner's cabin offers privacy and a stunning view of the sea. The bed is tucked away on the starboard side and only visible once you've passed the private ensuite, which is equipped with ample storage space.

2 trim levels

The Oceanis Yacht 60 comes with two different finishes: a standard walnut and optional light oak.

KEY FEATURES

Spacious and bright interior

As you step down the companionway you'll be met with a great deal of space and light, and an overall impression of the interior's spacious proportions.

Circulation on deck

Extensive side decks run around the helm stations offering obstacle-free, seamless circulation to the foredeck.

Secure and equipped cockpit

The huge cockpit makes for extra safety and easy movement. The pilot can carry out all the usual maneuvers without leaving the helm.

Equipped With SEANAPPS

The easiest way to keep your boat safe and ready to cruise anytime.

The new Seanapps  app is the ultimate solution to help you indulge your passion for boating. With the touch of your finger, you can easily connect, monitor and order services for your boat – from routine maintenance, to requesting a wash or fuel or having us complete a repair.

Virtual tour

The information below is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.

Length Overall

Beam overall

Light displacement

Air Draft Max

Fuel Capacity

Water Capacity

Max. engine power

CE Certification

A10 / B14 / C14

Standard draft

Shallow draft

Exterior deck

3 cabins - 3 heads

4 cabines - 4 heads

Press Reviews

Yachting world.

The new Oceanis Yacht 60 from BENETEAU is a stylish and bluewater friendly new flagship model for the French yard. Read More

Beneteau’s Dynamic New Sailing Flagship: Oceanis Yacht 60 Read the article

The New Oceanis Yacht 60 flagship – Elegance redefined

Beginner Sailing Guide: How to choose the right sailboat and learn how to sail

Finding the Right Boat for You

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Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.

Other models in the range

17.12 m / 56’2’’

5 m / 16’5’’

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