Better Sailing

Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better?

Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better?

I want to start this article by saying that both Beneteau and Jeanneau produce fine boats built to high standards, and you can’t go wrong either way. However, in today’s article, we will take a closer look at both brands to determine each’s pros and cons and hopefully help you make up your mind when purchasing one. 

Beneteau offers a wide range of sailing boats in various sizes, from small boats such as the First 14 to bigger ones like the Oceanis Yacht 62. In their production line, there are power boats as well as sailboats ideal for both leisure boating and sports events. Beneteau is a reputable brand to be reckoned with as far as international boating standards are concerned. Their boats have won famous international races such as Fastnet, Sydney Hobart, and the Middle Sea Race.

The Beneteau group acquired Jeanneau in 1995, so Beneteau and Jeanneau boats are essentially the same brand with some differences in how the two of them do things. Jeanneau produces luxurious and timeless boats by architects with a world-class reputation between 33 feet (like the Sun Odyssey 349) and 64 feet (like the Jeanneau 64 ). Their boats are famous for their comfort, sportiness, and sheer luxury. Jeanneau is famous for making their customers’ comfort a top priority, and personally, I like the timeless design.

Beneteau Vs Jeanneau – Overall Built Quality

According to my personal experience, an interview that I did with a boat surveyor and an online independent boat owners review group, there have been subtle choices of the Jeanneau newer models having a stronger build than the previous Beneteau boats. This is because the Jeanneau’s hull is built using the glassed-in stringers and floors and won’t come unglued. On the other hand, Beneteau has a dropped in moulded pan model. The glassed-in grid system is superior to the glued-in liner system.

Besides that and a few other variations on different architectural approaches, the overall built quality is typically the same, and many of their boats are even produced in the same factories.

Beneteau boats are often made for charter and the family market, with design towards more roomy interiors and bigger, more comfortable cabins and galley. This means more storage in the cabins and roomier bathrooms. Jeanneau boats, however, perform better as cruisers. They point well, do not often creak and slam, and are lovely sailors that ride well with the wind. The keels are robust, and these features culminate to make them better under sail. Still, even though their interior has enough space and provides comfort, they come second to the Beneteau in that aspect.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Jeanneau has promised and delivered its customers on an international scale peace of mind concerning their cherished Jeanneau boats. With an extended general warranty which was moved up from 2 years to 3 years, customers can boldly cruise wherever on earth and never need to worry if the part they are sailing in voids their warranty or not. They have a 5-year blister warranty on hull blistering thanks to the new material resin they now use as a barrier coat. The 7-year warranty covers all Jeanneau boats’ structure exclusively, which means that all deck and hull repairs with regards to manufacturing defects as recognized by technical services are covered under this 7-year warranty package. What’s so much more is that this 7-5-3 warranty is transferable upon the boat’s resale to future owners. So, the Jeanneau warranty can still cover a second-hand buyer, which helps with the resale of your boat.

The Beneteau group parts and labor warranty for replacing any defective parts as detected by professional technicians in the department is offered. This will last for 3 years following the delivery of your purchased boat. Then similarly to Jeanneau, they also offer a 7-year structural warranty that will cover the expenses of any fault that is deemed by your dealer’s diagnosis to be the manufacturer’s fault. This period of 7 years starts counting following the purchase of a new boat from any authorized retail outlets.

beneteau and jeanneau sailboats and power boats

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 40 Feet

Architects and Designers

Beneteau first did architectural work with an outsider in 1975. This collaboration produced the First 30, and since then, Beneteau crafts have been boats to reckon with at sea. Today Beneteau continues to partner with seasoned architects to make the best naval crafts. These architects go to great lengths to make real innovative stuff. Some of these well-known architects and their companies are Pierangelo Andreani of ANDREANI DESIGN, a designer and an architect; Jean Berret & Olivier Racoupeau of BERRET-RACOUPEAU DESIGN; Robert Biscontini of BISCONTINI YACHT DESIGN, who doubles as a Naval architect and a designer. These renowned companies and men have been and are behind the architectural structure and design of Beneteau crafts.

Jeanneau has worked out something similar to the Beneteau in line with their design department. Their boats are distinguished by their elegance, with constant innovation drawn in by the crème-de-la-crème in the naval architecture niche. Together with the well-tempered execution of the Jeanneau project teams, these designs help to achieve the attractive and easy to handle boats they are well-known for. Some of their architectural designers include Daniel Andrieu of ANDRIEU YACHT DESIGN; Vittorio Garroni, CEO of GARRONI DESIGN; Marc Lombard of MARC LOMBARD DESIGN; and Andrew Winch of WINCH DESIGN.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Live On

Beneteau’s revolutionary Dock & Go System is a kind innovation in the boating world that eliminates the worry of manually maneuvering your watercraft into a dock and providing a solution to the cumbersome task of having to handle your boat in close quarters. The new Beneteau boats come with a joystick that synchronizes a pivoting saildrive base and bow thruster. The Dock & Go system combines the engine’s assistance and bow thruster to give the same thrust both astern and ahead. It is also compatible with feathering/folding propellers, which helps optimize a yacht’s thrust for all-around maneuverability.

Jeanneau partnered with the ZF Marine Industries group to create a similar Dock & Go System, one which allows a joystick to direct the boat to whichever direction within a 360 degrees angle just with the push of a button. They named this system the 360⁰ docking, a name culled from the directions. This system can move the boat at the desired speed for an easy and fulfilled experience. Subsequent models of boats were released after the innovation came fully equipped with it.

>>Also Read: Beneteau vs. Catalina

Building Materials

As for building materials, the Beneteau group uses resin and balsa core to build their hull. Balsa core is a sandwich laminated between the inner and outer fiberglass material. This balsa core permits resin quantity reduction in each hull constituent while still maintaining the desired structural strength. Resin constituent reduction in the hull means lighter weight and better sailing. It can also make the boat go faster. Balsa core is infamous for high resistance, noise reduction, and insulation. Wood for their boats is reportedly purchased from only certified and controlled sources who cut with the good of the ecosystem at heart. Alpi Wood seems to be their favorite choice, and why wouldn’t it be? Alpi Wood perfectly suits timber for marine products and is definitely a renewable resource.

Jeanneau makes their modern monohull using the vacuum resin infusion molding technique, and they also use something similar when they make the deck. This is implemented to control weight and also to create a quality finish. No wonder Jeanneau boat owners always have some scintillating (no matter how subtle or little) to say about their boats finishing. They have also been making use of fiberglass to make their hulls since 1958 and because this material is just as -if not more- reliable as wood which has been the preferred choice of building material.

They use this fiberglass technology known as an infusion to make hulls for bigger boats. Infusion is where they lay up dry fiberglass cloth in the mold and enclose it in a vacuum with a plastic film. Then they pour the resin to seep in and seed the entire cloth. The result is an overall weight reduction and optimization of the resin quantity to increase the strength and resistance of each piece produced.

Beneteau Vs Jeanneau – Final Thoughts

Much, yet not enough, has been said about these two innovative boat brands, and this is because there are so many good things to say about both Beneteau and Jeanneau. Because both brands are basically the same company, many similarities have arisen in the course of our comparison. Not to worry, though, because both brands are constant award winners in races and yearly awards and what is more important is that their owners are the proudest to own them. 

Personally, although I believe that Beneteau boats are nice and comfortable and sail reasonably well, Jeanneau boats are better as they feel and sail like proper sailboats. Jeanneau boats point well, sail better and don’t creek as much or slam as hard. Also, keel fittings feel more robust and feel better-built all around.

Pro Tip:  If you are torn between buying a Jeanneau or a Beneteau sailboat 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 fits your needs better and which one you like better. That way, you can avoid making an expensive mistake.

Peter

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.

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

  • Buyer's Guide
  • Destinations
  • Maintenance
  • Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Who Will Win The Battle Between Jeanneau vs. Beneteau – Our Comparison

  • Liam Jackson
  • February 8, 2023

Battle Between Jeanneau vs. Beneteau

Sailing boats are amazing things to have to spend holidays or even a day out. But it’s confusing to select a boat that will fulfill your purpose. So here we jump in to help you out! So, which one is the better one- Jeanneau vs Beneteau?

Now build and quality-wise Jeanneau is better than the Beneteau. But the Beneteau has a more innovative feature and can be used by households. On the other hand, the Jeanneau is built elegantly for sailing purposes only.

Moreover, the Jeanneau is more on the expensive side compared to Beneteau. If you’re getting puzzled don’t worry. We’re here to provide you with a complete comparison guide. If you can spare some time, then this article will help you to clear your doubts.

Table of Contents

Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Quick Comparison

Jeanneau vs. Beneteau

Now, before we get into the in-depth discussion we have a quick preview of their features. Now, these comparisons are not as complicated as the camp and Navionics ones. So you can relax and look at the preview to have a better idea of these two.

Comparison Factor Beneteau Jeanneau
Build Material and Quality Good Comparatively Better
Design Structure Innovative Elegant
Customer Niche Family Use Sailing
Special Feature Dock & Go System 360⁰ Docking
Warranty Total 7 years Total 7 years
Price Lower Starting Range Comparatively Higher Starting Range.

Well, now that’s over with. Let’s head over to the part where we discuss these in detail.

Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Detailed Comparison

Jeanneau vs Beneteau

Now, as you’ve got the basics, let’s dive deeper into the topic. We’ve divided Jeanneau vs Beneteau into 8 segments. Let’s discuss them one by one.

History and background of both

Jeanneau and Beneteau are two of the largest and most well-known boat manufacturers in the world. Both companies have a rich history and have been in business for many decades.

Jeanneau was founded in France in 1957 by Henri Jeanneau and is now part of the Groupe Beneteau. Jeanneau has a reputation for producing high-quality sailing yachts, motor boats, and power boats.

They offer a range of models from small day sailers to large ocean-going yachts. Over the years, Jeanneau has expanded its product line and now offers boats under several different brand names, including Prestige Yachts, Leader, and Merry Fisher.

Beneteau, on the other hand, was founded in France in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau and is one of the oldest boat manufacturers in the world . They started by building fishing boats, but have since expanded into a wide range of sailing and power boats.

Beneteau is also known for producing a range of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes and caravans. They have a strong presence in both the sailing and power boat markets, with a reputation for producing boats that are both well-designed and affordable.

Both Jeanneau and Beneteau have a rich history and have contributed greatly to the boating industry. Their products are well-regarded by sailors and boaters all over the world and both companies have a commitment to quality and innovation.

Build Material & Quality

Build Material & Quality

The build quality no matter what the boat is should be top-notch. Otherwise, after purchasing it you’ll have to spend a lot on maintenance and repair.

Just like problems with the fuel tank of Moeller . So let’s compare the quality and build.

Beneteau uses resin and balsa core for building the hull. This balsa core helps to maintain structural strength at the desired scale. Beneteau boats are comparatively lightweight and sail faster. Moreover, the balsa core helps in higher resistance, noise reduction, and insulation.

Jeanneau uses a vacuum resin infusion molding technique to build their boats. Thus better finishing and weight control are ensured. Moreover, this too helps to look at detailed portions easily.

Fiberglass is used to make their hulls. Their advanced fiberglass technology ensures reduced weight and better strength. For comparison, the newer Jeanneau boats have slightly better build quality.

Design Structure

Design Structure

Now moving on to the design structure. We need the structure to bode well with the sea otherwise, it might be difficult to sail it. Plus you might end up with structural problems .

From the design sense and perspective, Beneteau is a boat to reckon with at sea. They are known for making the best naval crafts. They have always produced innovative designs to work with.

Jeanneau is quite similar to Beneteau in terms of design structure. However, the Jeanneau is more elegant. These boats are well known for easy handling as well. Also, their constant innovation and well-maintained execution help to make attractive boats.

Customer Niche

Beneteau

Now the purpose you’ll be using the boat for is quite important. This is because this can also add as a deciding factor in this case.

Beneteau boats are preferable for family uses. The reason behind this is the roomy interiors and more comfortable cabins as well as galley. Also, the storage compartments have more space.

Jeanneau boats are better cruise performers. The sailors love these boats as they ride well with the wind. Although it also has a nice interior, the Beneteau boats are superior in this aspect.

Special Feature

jeanneau 349

Besides the usual features, special addition of factors can also help the boat to stand out! So, let’s check out their special features.

Beneteau has a unique system that saves from manual maneuverability hassles. This system is called the Dock & Go system.

Using the Dock & Go system will help to handle the boat in close quarters. Moreover, the joystick-like tool helps to optimize a yacht’s overall thrust.

Jeanneau is also forming a similar system like Dock & Go. This system allows a joystick to control the board within a 360-degree angle. This system is named 360⁰ docking. The single push-button feature makes the system easier to use. Plus this system also keeps the speed at the desired level and gives a fulfilled experience.

Price point can be the most important feature that settles your decision. So let’s see their price range!

Beneteau boats and yachts may cost around $11,000 to almost $2.7 million or above. So here we have quite a decent starting price as you can see.

Jeanneau boats and yachts’ price starts from around $15,000. It goes up to about $1.4 million or more. Now here the starting range is a little high but the highest price is lower.

After-sales service and warranty comparison

Jeanneau

They offer a two-year warranty on their boats and have a network of authorized dealers and service centers to assist with any issues that may arise. In addition to their warranty, Beneteau offers a range of service and maintenance packages to help keep boats in top condition .

They also have a dedicated customer support team that can assist with any questions or concerns.

This brand also provides a two-year warranty on all their boats, which covers material and manufacturing defects. They also have a network of authorized dealers and service centers that can assist with any repairs or maintenance needs. Jeanneau is known for its quick response times and excellent customer support.

Is Beneteau a bluewater boat?

Yes, Beneteau is a bluewater boat. Moreover, these are the best bluewater cruisers for families. Moreover, along with this accommodation, these are quite comfortable as well.

Does Beneteau own Jeanneau?

Yes, Jeanneau is a part of the Beneteau group. Beneteau acquired Jeanneau earlier in 1995. Although they are the same group they do their work separately!

Is Bavaria better than Beneteau?

Beneteau is way ahead in terms of experience, workforce, and innovation. But Bavaria is better but not enough compared to Beneteau.

What kind of boats does Jeanneau offer?

Jeanneau offers a range of sailing yachts, motor boats, and power boats, with models ranging from small daysailers to large ocean-going yachts . They also offer boats under several different brand names, including Prestige Yachts, Leader, and Merry Fisher.

Where is Beneteau made?

In addition to its facilities in France, Beneteau has a production facility in Marion, South Carolina, USA. This facility is responsible for manufacturing a range of sailing and power boats for the North American market.

The Marion production facility is part of Beneteau’s ongoing efforts to provide customers with high-quality boats that are designed and manufactured to meet the needs of local markets.

So, this was all about the comparison between Jeanneau vs Beneteau. We hope this has answer to all your queries. So, considering all these, buy your dream boat.

We hope you won’t have to worry about it anymore. Happy sailing!

Liam Jackson

I’m Liam Jackson, the proud owner and driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. Born somewhere in the expansive beauty of the United States, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for kayaking and fishing that has led me to explore the far corners of our nation’s waterways.

Related Posts:

  • 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2024 - Improve…
  • 16 Best Kayak For Beginners 2024 - Kayaking Adventure Gear
  • 17 Best Trolling Reels 2024 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure
  • Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2024
  • 20 Best Inshore Spinning Reels 2024 - Capturing All…
  • 10 Best Inflatable Paddle Board 2024: My Top 10 iSUP…
  • Beneteau , Boat , Customer Niche , Design Structure of Boat , Jeanneau

Kayaking Road Trip Essentials

Kayaking Road Trip Essentials: Gear Packing Tips for a Seamless Adventure

Snorkeling for Kids 101

Snorkeling for Kids: Safety, Fun and Kid-Friendly Gear Options

Paddling-Stern-Rudder

Paddle as Stern Rudder – Kayak Technique Explained

How to Hold the Paddle

How to Hold the Paddle – Kayak Beginner Tips

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Hello! I’m Liam Jackson, the proud owner and driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. Born somewhere in the expansive beauty of the United States, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for kayaking and fishing that has led me to explore the far corners of our nation’s waterways.

Our Location

Related Articles

Kayaking Road Trip Essentials

  • Laura Vinson
  • March 5, 2024

Snorkeling for Kids 101

  • Simone Tait
  • February 14, 2024

Paddling-Stern-Rudder

  • Adelaide Gentry
  • November 10, 2023

How to Hold the Paddle

  • Maria Alexander

Kayak capsized

What to Do if Your Kayak Capsizes – Step by Step Guide

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Kayak Paddling Techniques and Tricks – The Ultimate Guide

Email: [email protected].

© 2024 KayakPaddling.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Which One Should I Choose?

Jeanneau vs Beneteau

Table of Contents

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you”

Jeanneau and Beneteau, two of the biggest boat manufacturers, boast of some of the finest boats in the boating world today.

Before we proceed we want to state now that if you have the cash, then, by all means, you can opt for both brands as they are suited for different purposes, plus you can’t go wrong with either. 

However, if you need a boat designed to meet a set of particular needs, or if, like us, you are simply inquisitive, then one question that must have crossed your mind is, “Which one should I choose?”  

Here we’ll compare these two boating giants. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, the information we provide will answer your question and help you decide which brand suits you best.

What is the difference between Beneteau and Jeanneau?

Without dragging things, let’s see just how different these two boating companies are;

Build Quality

The build quality of a boat determines how well it will perform when out on the sea. Knowing this, we decided to see what people who’ve had the first experience can say about both boats. 

After digging through several boating blogs and forums, we discovered that newer Jeanneau models feature more robust hulls than Beneteau, which is majorly possible because of the introduction of glassed-in stringers in their hulls. 

When we compared this to the glued-in linear system used in Beneteau boats, we discovered that glass stringers are the more reliable choice when sailing under harsh weather conditions. So, it’s safe to say that Jeanneau wins this round.

Performance and comfort

Diving into the performance and comfort of these two boats, we’d like you to be fully aware that the beautiful bow section and hull design of the Jeanneau helps it cut through the deep blue without fuss. 

This dramatically improves performance and creates a steady, firmer motion. Once the sails catch the wind, it rarely lets it go. This trapped wind is essential in driving the vessel forward.

On the other hand, Beneteau puts comfort first, with big roomier rooms and even a kitchen in some models. 

Different models have lounge areas and can accommodate up to 8 people. This doesn’t mean that the Beneteau does not perform well in the open sea; it just seems like comfort is the priority here.

Regarding the different materials used in making these two sailing giants, we’d like you to know that Beneteau uses a balsa core and resin for the hull. The balsa core used reduces the quantity of needed resin significantly while also maintaining the desired structural integrity of the boat. 

Additionally, the balsa core and resin pairing reduces the boat’s overall weight and improves its speed. This translates to better sailing, and over time, this balsa core has become infamous for its insulating, lightweight, noise reduction, and high resistance properties. 

Beneteau prefers Alpi wood

Still, on the materials used in constructing Beneteau boats, we discovered that the company prefers Alpi wood which is known for its compatibility with timber products used offshore .

Unlike Beneteau with the balsa and resin, modern Jeanneau boats are built through the vacuum resin infusion molding process, a technique that guarantees weight control. Instead of wood, fiberglass is used. They’ve stuck to using fiberglass to make boats for over 50 years. 

Read Next: How To Remove Yellow Stains from a Fiberglass Boat

Now, it’s time to take a look at some key features that distinguish Beneteau from Jeanneau. One feature that stands out in Beneteau boats is its Dock & Go System, which eliminates the need to guide your boat into the dock manually.

This novel creation solves the problem of controlling your boat in tight places. Instead of worrying about maneuvering, there is a joystick that coordinates the pivoting sail drive and bow thruster.

The competition, Jeanneau is also game when it comes to delivering mouth-watering features. 

This brand teams up with the ZF Marine group to make a system similar to Beneteaus’. However, their version will allow you to direct the boat in any direction of your choosing; they don’t call it the “360 docking” for no reason. 

Architects and Designers

Over the years, Beneteau has worked with several designers and architects. These professionals have aided in the production and creation of incredible innovations. 

Even today, they continue to work with well-known designers and architects like Pierangelo Andreani, a designer and an architect, Robert Biscontini of BISCONTINI YACHT DESIGN, Jean Berret & Olivier Racoupeau, and several others. 

The Beneteau boating group has also been able to keep up with boating architectural designs that are relevant today.

They have Daniel Andrieu, Vittorio Garroni, Marc Lombard, and Andrew Winch, all of whom are CEOs of their own architectural design companies. These people have been of immense help to the Beneteau group .

For folks who opt for Jeanneau, peace of mind is guaranteed. The company offers a three-year international warranty to all its customers. This means you can go on a cruise wherever you choose and wouldn’t have to worry about breaching the warranty on your Jeanneau boats.

The company also has a 5-year warranty for hull blistering, partly due to its new resin material used for barrier coating. 

Still, on Jeanneau, you’ll be pleased to know that this brand offers its customers a 7-year structure-only warranty. This warranty covers all deck and hull repairs . However, to claim this warranty, the technical services team must prove that it is a manufacturing defect. 

Finally, here’s the best part of the Jeanneau warranty. Wait for it! 

The warranty can be transferred to the next boat owner as long as the purchase is made within the boat’s warranty period. 

With Beneteau boats, you also get two mouth-watering warranty packages. One of which is the 7-year warranty for structures and hulls, the second is a 3-year defective warranty. 

A professional technician must verify that all warranty claims are the manufacturers’ fault, and these warranties start reading from the date you purchase your Beneteau boat from a verified retailer.

Having compared these boating giants, I guess it’s time we let you in on a little secret. Well, these two boat companies are owned by the same parent company. 

So, to answer the question, Beneteau Vs. Jeanneau “Which one should I choose?” 

 We say your choice will be based on personal preference and needs. Beneteau boats are roomy and comfortable, perfect for relaxing when sailing not so far from shore. However, Jeanneau’s are designed and built to sail the open sea without any shred of timidity. So, over to you, which do you prefer?

PS: Interested in How to Rig a Sunfish Sailboat? Check out this blog here!

Bill

Bill is an ISA Sailing & Powerboating Instructor in Ireland. He writes about all things sailing.

Related Articles that might be of interest to you:

How To Clean a Boat Fuel Tank Without Removing It

How To Clean a Boat Fuel Tank Without Removing It?

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you” Are you tired of going through the stress of removing your boat’s fuel tank before cleaning it? You’ve probably heard about it, and now you’re wondering if you can clean your boat’s fuel tank the

man navigating using sextant

The 4 Best Modern Sextants – Reviews & Buying Guide

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you” A marine sextant is used for measuring the angular distance between the horizon and an astronomical body such as the Moon, the Sun, or any other celestial body. Its name is derived from its shape

What is Most Likely to Cause Someone to Fall Overboard

What is Most Likely to Cause Someone to Fall Overboard

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you” Boating is fun; however, as with any other outdoor activity, mishaps are bound to happen. Speaking of casualties, the most dangerous by far is an unexpected trip overboard. It’s impractical to rule out the possibility

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Techniques & Guides
  • Yacht Equipment
  • Personal Gear

Made by Dancing Data.

Disclosure   .  Terms and Conditions  . Privacy Policy

  • New Sailboats
  • Sailboats 21-30ft
  • Sailboats 31-35ft
  • Sailboats 36-40ft
  • Sailboats Over 40ft
  • Sailboats Under 21feet
  • used_sailboats
  • Apps and Computer Programs
  • Communications
  • Fishfinders
  • Handheld Electronics
  • Plotters MFDS Rradar
  • Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
  • Anchoring Mooring
  • Running Rigging
  • Sails Canvas
  • Standing Rigging
  • Diesel Engines
  • Off Grid Energy
  • Cleaning Waxing
  • DIY Projects
  • Repair, Tools & Materials
  • Spare Parts
  • Tools & Gadgets
  • Cabin Comfort
  • Ventilation
  • Footwear Apparel
  • Foul Weather Gear
  • Mailport & PS Advisor
  • Inside Practical Sailor Blog
  • Activate My Web Access
  • Reset Password
  • Customer Service

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

  • Free Newsletter

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Cheoy Lee Clipper 36 & 42 Used Boat Review

AquaMaps with Bob’s blue tracks and my green tracks at the start of the ICW with bridge arrival times. (Image/ Alex Jasper)

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Make sure someone is always keeping a lookout on the horizon while the tillerpilot is engaged. If there are a few crew onboard, it helps to rotate who is on watch so everyone else can relax.

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripper. (Photo/ Adam Morris)

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

600-watt solar panel system on Summer Twins 28 sailing catamaran Caribbean Soul 2. (Photo/ Clifford Burgess)

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Using only what they had available onboard, the cruisers rebuilt a broken clue on their genoa which lasted for thousands of miles of sailing.

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

This Hayn Hi-Mod shackle was securing a shroud. The shackle failed without damage to the threads when the rigging wire snapped and the pin unscrewed. Thankfully, there were no injuries and the deck-stepped mast fell to leeward with limited damage to the Corsair F-24. (Photo/ Jim Love)

Monel Seizing Wire is Worth the Extra Cost

This is the faulty diesel lift pump, the arrow is pointing to the sluggish primer lever. That is an issue because the fuel lift pump needs to provide the right amount of fuel and fuel pressure to the injector pump. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

shorepower connection

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

Instead of dreading a squall, think about it as a way to fill up your water tanks. PS tested ways to make sure the rainwater you catch is clean, tasty and safe to drink.

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

This is the original Yanmar 4JH5E 54hp normally aspirated engine supplied by Beneteau. We've done 6,000 hours over the last 13 years. (Photo/ Brett Campbell)

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

A V-Guide in use on stainless pulpit railing. V-Guides keep your drill bit from walking off either side of the curved surface. They are a helpful tool in this scenario since stainless requires steady, slow, lubricated pressure to drill properly.

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Little things that are hardly necessary but nice to have start in the galley.

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

The edges of open shade can read as high as 25 percent of sunlight when surrounded by a white deck. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

America's Cup sailboats have progressed from deep-keel monohull J-class Yachts, to regal Twelve Meters, to rambunctious wing-sailed catamarans. The rule now restricts boats to a single hull, but allows retractable, hydraulically actuated foils. Top speeds of 40 knots are common. (Photo/Shutterstock)

On Watch: America’s Cup

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Dear Readers

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

  • Sailboat Reviews

Beneteau 393

The new 393 benefits from big-company protocols in the production process. The basic design is nothing radical, but the layout and details incorporate a lot of owner feedback.

Beneteau is one of the few builders (along with perhaps Catalina, Hunter, and its own corporate cousin, Jeanneau) whose volume of production can generate significant “economies of scale.” Boatbuilding is not, of course, like automobile building or most other assembly-line processes. Boats and the way that they go together are complex; there’s more to launching a successful sailboat than buying parts in quantity and piecing them together. Nevertheless, when you look at a new boat like Beneteau’s recently introduced 393 you can see how the size, reach, and clout of the parent company can pay off.

Our review of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 two months ago made the same point: Big, established, boatbuilders with meticulously organized production systems can afford to work out the kinks without passing along too many of the costs to buyers. They have a system, and it works.

Beneteau 393

Founded in 1884, Beneteau originally built fishing boats for the Bay of Biscay. Still a family-run concern, it turned to yachts and has built sailboats throughout most of the 20th century. For more than a decade now it has been building boats onboth sides of the Atlantic. (There’s a large facility in Marion, SC.)

Without doubt, the biggest recent company move was the acquisition of French rival Jeanneau. Though the two builders continue to offer separate lines, taken together they produce more auxiliary sailboats than anyone else in the world. Thus one of the benefits of “economies of scale”-the Beneteau/Jeanneau combination can drive a pretty good bargain on materials, hardware, sails, and so on.

All of which is a simple (and simplistic) explanation of why Beneteau can sell an attractive, commodious new cruiser like the 393 for a base price of under $140,000. Even then, it’s not like Henry Ford’s color option list for the Model T (you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was black): While the 393’s styling, playpen cockpit, and most of the standard parts can’t be customized on a whim, there are a couple of choices in accommodations that will extend the range of the boat’s appeal considerably.

Getting back to being big… Beneteau is in a unique position (selling to a worldwide market, supplying boats to dozens of charter companies, and introducing new models at a pace virtually unequalled in the industry) to collect feedback. The company has maintained its popularity by paying close attention to what customers want. As with politicians and constituents in a democracy, this can be good and bad.

According to Wayne Burdick, President of Beneteau USA, there have been 72 copies of the 393 ordered since the boat was introduced just last year. Volume like that means commissions, and commissions make naval architects happy. That makes working with Beneteau hard to resist. The designers who have done so are distinguished-the Groupe Finot and Bruce Farr notable among them. Since the late ’80s, however, the most influential designers in the Beneteau camp have been Jean Berret and his partner, Olivier Racoupeau. The two have had a lot to do with the establish-ment of the First (racer/cruiser) line. These “dual purpose” boats have been notably popular. Both designers have superb credentials in the grand prix arena. Berret, for instance, designed the Beneteau One Ton that won the Admiral’s Cup in 1987 and virtually got Beneteau into the racing game.

Throughout the ’90s Beneteau has also sold cruisers-the Oceanis line.These have no racing pretensions.

Rather they emphasize “being in touch with the sea.” They have been the leaders in evolving the molded, sleek, straight-sheer look that we’ve come to call “Euro.” They are remarkable, too, for their light, room, space, and comfort. When swim platforms were new, they had open transoms complete with outdoor showers. Says Wayne Burdick, “When you think of the dark, deep, dank caves that we used to cruise in and look at how open, light, and bright boats are today, you have to credit a lot of that change to the Oceanis line.”

As new models have come on line, Beneteau has sought to improve their performance. As finkeeled/balanced rudder boats the Oceani are lively in maneuvering and can record good passage times. However, acceleration, sail-carrying power, and weatherliness have not generally been their strongpoints.

Masters of working within rating rules, of wringing speed from compromises and limitations, Berret and Racoupeau have consistently whittled away in hopes of making each new Oceanis a better performer.

Accommodations

First and foremost, the 393 is roomy. You can’t help but notice the legroom, elbow room, generous seat backs, and open space in the cockpit. The walk-through coaming aft creates a good combination of openness and security. While the well is a bit too wide to brace across (and only one of the three cockpit table versions offered provides a footbrace) it’s hard to find any other quibble- sight lines are good, protection is stout, surfaces are contoured for comfort, and space is carved out around the winches to let you work them efficiently. It’s a big, comfortable, efficient, livable, modern cockpit. (If someone could figure out how to make mainsheet and traveller controls operable by the helmsman, though, it would make shorthanded sailing more realistic.)

She’s also roomy below. Headroom in the after part of the saloon approaches 6′ 6″. Light adds to the open feel, thanks mostly to the three overhead deck-windows (which come with sunshades).

Beneteau 393 Cabin Layout

There are two different interior configurations, a two-cabin version that accentuates privacy and yields a deep cockpit locker; and a three cabin version that offers two quarter cabins aft. The two-cabin layout has the galley in a traditional portside nook next to the companionway, with a settee to starboard opposite the dining area; the tri-cabin set-up removes the facing settee and puts the galley there in a linear arrangement with an array of finished cabinets and drawer stowage. “More and more people want more and more stowage,” says Burdick, “so we’re giving it to them.”

There are advantages and disadvantages to both arrangements. In most cases we’d counsel the sacrifice of bunks in order to make room for more “working” areas. In this case, though, the trade-offs are too close to call. The tri-cabin version has a dedicated nav station where the two-cabin version has none. It has an extra hanging locker to port, but lacks the good cockpit locker. The linear galley seems to us more intrusive, less convivial, and less safe in a seaway than the U-shaped version. That layout also suffers from a lack of support for moving around below in a seaway; the more traditional layout is “narrower” and would offer better security. Maybe the cabin choice depends on how many kids or friends you sail with, or whether you own a charter company.

Beneteau has always done a good job with interior wood. Far from seeming “knocked off” or mass produced, the furniture, cabinetry, and trim of the 393 live up to custom standards of fit, precision, and harmony. That’s because the company has purchased wood widely (and wisely) and because its wood shop is a two-acre masterpiece of computer controlled milling, routing, spraying, and fitting. Aside from the somewhat unsettling impression of living inside a grand piano instead of a boat, the result is impeccable.

The 393 offers a great deal of light and air. The decklights are the biggest light source, but the boat has six house ports, six hull ports, and seven overhead hatches, plus two cockpit ports. There’s plenty of cross ventilation to make forecabins and quartercabins habitable.

The 393’s nav station (in the three cabin layout) is big and well-designed for comfort. There’s an argument that with so much navigating being done in the cockpit these days, especially on shorthanded boats, the need for a good nav table is diminished, but we don’t think so. It may not need to be big enough to spread out a full-sized chart, but a cruising sailor still needs a desk, even if its just a surface for a notebook computer.

Beneteau 393

Hanging lockers are bigger and better (cedar-lined) than average, and there are even a few drawers. The overhead (an amalgam of some fiberglass, some fabric, and some wood) is attractive and (albeit with difficulty) removable. “Condensation is never a problem with our boats,” Burdick says. After sailing one dry through a drippy week in Ireland we can agree.

Access to the 40-hp Westerbeke diesel is superb. From beneath the companionway or via either quarter cabin you can attack it all. Foam insulation is a cut above industry standards and the faint humming of the monster below while we were underway suggested that it has been deployed well. Tankage (35 gallons fuel and 130 gallons water) doesn’t encourage world-girdling, but it’s substantial for a boat like this one.

A shallow bilge is an unfortunate by-product of a relatively flat-bottomed design. This one at least has a deep sump that should keep water from sloshing into vital areas below.

The galley is a modern marvel, with good handholds, safety bar, ventilated cabinet fronts, pot stowage, garbage cuddy, and a standard two-burner propane range/oven.

Construction

Beneteau has been building boats of solid glass reinforced with a fiberglass structural grid for at least 20 years. The method has been refined in light of material changes and streamlined in places for better efficiencies, but it remains essentially the same process that has yielded every First, Oceanis, and (now that the company has reverted simply to its own name to designate its boats) modern Beneteau.

These boats are clearly and cleverly “designed to be built,” using the minimum possible time and labor. As we’ve pointed out, in a production process this big and efficient, those can be considered good qualities. You might question the weight, quality, and composition of the hull laminate. You might theorize that there’s a weak point at the bond between hull and liner. You might focus on the fact that all-around taping of structural bulkheads demands excellent quality control. You might want a simpler, more-robust anchor for the 393’s chainplates. But at every turn your analysis butts up against the intended uses of the boat, which in this case should mean extended coastal cruising, and the enviable track record of durability racked up by hundreds of its cousins in the charter trade.

The hull/deck joint is an example of the sort of technique that is quick but not necessarily dirty. An inward turning flange receives the deck. Bedded on a rim of “5200-like” sealant, the deck (balsa-cored except where it receives hardware, and along its outer rim) is bolted through the flange in the area of chocks, stanchions, and cleats. Then machine screws on 6-inch centers tack down the remainder. The joint’s integrity is ensured by “chemical bond, plus mechanical, plus efficiency in meeting shear loads,” says Burdick.

While lead is the ballast of choice throughout most of the industry, Beneteau generally uses cast iron, as they do on this boat. Lead is denser by far than iron, and so will make for a much heavier keel in the same area and volume (or can be smaller to achieve similar weight). Lead, however, will also cost almost twice as much.

While economy may be Beneteau’s main reason for using iron keels, Burdick points to another advantage: “The keel root [where fin meets hull] is a significant source of turbulence. You reduce that drag by making the foil as thin as possible at that point. That’s much easier to do with cast iron.”

In any case, for obvious reasons, coverings and coatings on iron keels must be scrupulously maintained to make sure the ferrous metal never meets the watery medium directly.

Like the iron-keeled Oceanis line that have come before, the 393 depends less on ballast (at a minimal ballast/displacement ratio of 31 percent) than on shape (with a substantial 13′ 1″ beam) for stability. Were she to sport a similarly sized fin made of lead, it would lower hercenter of gravity (a positive move in terms of stability), but it would make her an appreciably heavier, costlier boat, with a “dead weight” liability to overcome in her performance.

Also, were Berret and Racoupeau to pare down the size of her keel by using lead, it would diminish lateral plane and hurt upwind performance.

Her mast is deck-stepped. Here, we believe, the company probably listened too closely to people who said they didn’t want a hole in the roof and a tree trunk in the saloon. The interior compression post is pretty, and the weldment at the top that accepts though-bolts to fasten on deck hardware is clever-but we think a boat this size should have a keel-stepped mast. As it is, the rig requires a babystay to help it stay in column.

Beneath the grid the keel is affixed (sealant and machined-in bolts) in a leakproof but removable bond.

Performance

To date the Oceanis performance evolution has been pretty straightforward. Each new boat has been (relatively speaking) a bit lighter, and each new sailplan has been proportionally larger. Thus horsepower to weight (sail area/displacement) characteristics, the “muscles” of performance under sail, have been groomed and refined over the years. ”

The 393 replaced the Oceanis 381,” says Burdick, “and you can note the same sort of improvement [from a SA/D of 14.45 to a more robust 16]. But these numbers aren’t all there is to performance. The 393 was given a substantially longer waterline [35′ 1″ as opposed to 32′ 10″]. That provides a more open ended speed potential that can boost passage times. Those are the numbers that sailors can really appreciate.”

Berret and Racoupeau have made some other changes. The 393 is very beamy for her size. The 381 was a beamy 12′ 11″ wide; the 393 pushes that out to 13′ 1″. Taking a page from today’s long-distance racers, the designers have made their own modest foray into the area of “beam for speed.” The 393 certainly benefits from her above-average volume when it comes to accommodations and payload, but hers is also a shape designed to enhance performance rather than weigh it down. The initial stability that she achieves via beam means that she needs less ballast. Her powerful after sections permit faired waterlines and flattened buttocks that minimize wavemaking turbulence. By easing the turn of the bilge her designers gave her semi-circular sectional shapes that cut down on parasitic drag (and improve light-air performance).

LOA: 39′ 3″

LWL: 35′ 1″

Beam: 13′ 1″

Draft (standard) 5′ 1″

Draft (deep keel) 6′ 3″

Displacement: 17,152 lbs.

Ballast: 5,357 lbs.

Fuel: 35 gallons

Water: 131 gallons

SA: 643 sq. ft.

D/L ratio: 178

SA/D ratio: 16.0

Auxiliary: 40-hp Westerbeke

The proof is in the pudding. On a sail after the Newport Boat Show last fall, Wayne Burdick offered us the wheel and we sailed close-hauled into a 12-knot southeaster heading past Ft. Adams toward open water. We noted that she seemed at least as close-winded as the boats around us. Pinching her up to around 30 degrees apparent wind angle caused her to skate off to leeward, but when we sailed full and by (at something closer to 40 degrees) she was a different boat-balanced and weatherly. We doubted that punching through chop would be a strongpoint, but in this relatively protected water the 393 went upwind with power and efficiency. Her balanced spade rudder made tacking (consistently inside 85 degrees) a pleasure. When we cracked off to test her stability it was remarkably hard to get the foils to ventilate. The steering control created by her powerful after sections and deep rudder was excellent.

Reaching and running are what the 393 was made for. A conventional poled spinnaker would add cruising versatility and the standard mastfurling mainsail lacks the effective area of a conventional main (now offered as the optional “classic”), but these quarrels have more to do with the modern cruiser in general than with the 393 specifically.

Conclusions

For cruising in comfort and sailing with ease it’s hard to top modern designs like the 393. Openness, creature comfort, and smooth-running systems put boats like these well ahead of the “narrow, dark, cavelike” designs of just a few years ago. However, if your need is to claw off a lee shore in a gale, to go where the waves are bigger than you are, or to cast off with “anything goes” readiness, these new coastal cruising designs aren’t as good as the old.

That’s not to say that the 393 can’t go far afield, but if we were doing it, we’d choose the deep-keel option for better lift, the “classic” mainsail arrangement-and we’d dote on the rig and all its terminals.

Beneteau has harnessed its design and purchasing resources to produce a boat that combines performance and comfort in an attractive package. Designed in large part according to the demands of customers to fit the cruising that they actually do, it’s a triumph of stowage, light, air, and space, and is gratifying to sail.

Despite focus groups and styling details, despite corporate bigness, and the difficulties inherent in making a good thing better, it seems to us that the company has again brought an honest boat to market.

Beneteau USA, 24 North Market

St., Suite 201, Charleston, SC

29401; 843/805-5000.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Very informative work that addressed many of the questions I had about Beneteau and this model specifically. Well done

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 - Boat Review video from Practical Sailor

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy - How to Paint a Boat video from Practical Sailor

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

The Boat From True Spirit - Sparkman & Stephens video from Practical Sailor

The Boat From True Spirit – Sparkman & Stephens

Top 5 Boat Hacks - Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks video from Practical Sailor

Top 5 Boat Hacks – Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Latest sailboat review.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Online Account Activation
  • Privacy Manager

Sailboat Owners Forums

  • Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
  • What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
  • Media New media New comments
  • Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
  • Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
  • Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
  • Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Beneteau v. Jeanneau, which way to go?

  • Thread starter Will
  • Start date Sep 20, 2002
  • Beneteau Owner Forums
  • Ask A Beneteau Owner

We’ve been looking at boats for about eight weeks now and have narrowed the field to the Beneteau 361, and the Jeanneau 37. Although my wife is relatively new to sailing, I, unfortunately, have much more sailing behind me than in front of me. We expect to spend 90-95% of our time on the Chesapeake Bay, but will venture off to Bermuda a couple of time in the next five years and then plan on sailing to Maine and island hop down to South America. I’m sure most Beneteau owners looked at the Jeanneau and I’m interested in why you made your choice. I am particularly interested in any blue water sailing experiences and modifications made to your boat. Looking forward to hearing from all of you. Thanks for your help.  

Add one more to your mix... Will- I looked at both the 361 and the Jeanneau 37. Ultimately I went with the 361 becuase the wife liked the stall shower in the Beneteau, and we really liked the dealer (they've been great post sale as well). Although I haven't been offshore in the 361, I've been out several times in 20 - 25 knot breezes in the Chesapeake. Yes, I know, that's not offshore, but it was a reasonable test of the boat's capabilities in our first summer with the boat. We were very pleased with her performance in these conditions (BTW, we have a traditional, or "classic", non-furling main). From what I could gather during the search, the two are fairly similar in build, although each dealer/sales person can make a good argument for why their's is better. The real reason for my post though is one more boat you may want to consider. Of course, my boat shopping is a never ending process and since my purchase I've come up with one other that I wish I had taken a good hard look at. Take a look at the C&C 110. It looks like it's a notch above these two in build, which may not be as important on the Bay, but if you're thinking Bermuda you may need it. It is a tad more expensive, of course. The 361, by the way, has a capsize screen of >2, which calls into question its appropriateness for extended offshore duty. For a lark, you may want to look at the Bavaria 37 as well. Best of luck, Tim Armand s/v Bella Donna  

capsize screen I'm relatively new to large boat sailing. What do you mean when you say a 'capsize screen > 2'?  

More on Capsize Screen The capsize screen is a quick and dirty formula used to determine a boat's propensity to capsize. It is based upon weight and beam. According to the capsize formula published in the May 1997 issue of Practical Boatowner, anything less than 2 is considered "good", with a higher capsize screen number meaning a higher propensity to capsize (again, based on only two dimensions). Needless to say, a propensity to capsize would not be a desired benefit in an offshore boat! If you would like to find the capsize "value" of your vessel divide the displacement of the vessel by 64, then take the cube root of that number and divide into the beam of the vessel. Just a word of caution, it is typically not recommended to use any one formula for determining vessel stability or if a vessel's design is seaworthy.  

Thanks Tim Tim, Thanks for your insights. I assume your bought your boat from Tidewater since your in Annapolis. They seem to be first rate. My wife likes the Jenneau shower, but loves the prefers the Hunter galley and aft cabin. The C & C looks great on paper. I had a 33 twenty years ago. It is still my favorite boat. It seems you get a little more for your money with Hunter and for us this is an issue. Thanks again.  

Tidewater not a B dealer (I don't think) You're welcome. Tidewater in Annapolis is not a Beneteau dealer. I bought from Annapolis Yacht Sales. Best, Tim  

  • This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

SailNet Community banner

  • Forum Listing
  • Marketplace
  • Advanced Search
  • About The Boat
  • Boat Review Forum
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Jeanneu 32 vs Beneteau 323

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

  • Add to quote

Newbie looking for advice. Will be sailing coastal NC, mostly sound. Occasional trips up and down the coast once I get more experience. Goals are to learn sailing and stay on the boat several days at a time (mostly at dock) Checking out a 2002 Jeanneau 32 Sun Odyss and a 2004 Beneteau 323. Any advice from experienced owners or sailors would be welcome. b  

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Six of one, half dozen of the other...both are actually made by Beneteau, which owns Jeanneau.  

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Both Are Good They are build by the same company. Poke around in the out-of-sight areas like bilges, lazarette, under furniture. You'll see that the Jeanneau is built a little bit better and might use a little bit better quality fittings. The interior and deck layouts will likely be different as well. Jeanneaus will be a bit more stylish, but that's a matter of taste. Either one will meet your needs. The question will be whether the Jeanneau will be worth the difference in price. If they're coming from two different dealers, consider the "full up" price from each---bottom paint, electronics, anchor rode, entertainment system, etc.  

Thanks, I knew it was the same company now. Wasnt sure if it made a difference going back 8-10 years in quality. b  

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

The SO32 will more than likely be the quicker and better sailing boat too from that vintage, as the bene's IIRC are a bit heavier, along with being bulkier and a bit less sail area for the boat. Other than that, it is a 6 one half dozen or another as to which is better. Bene took over Jeanneau about 95 or there abouts. While the parent is the same, Ie Group Beneteau, GB also owns RV manufactures, an electric car manufacture, and premade home manufacturing plants in France. Along with until a few years ago, Waquiez was another brand of boat. They also own the custom manufacture that built the catamarans for waterworld. They are equal to a General motors here in the states. Or maybe more like General Electric currently. Reality is, ALL have there own boss's, all work independent of the other, Mdm Rowe does not say how ea will operate, etc, Not sure if beneteau has an owners site/forum, Jeanneau does at www.jeanneau-owners.com it is base in UK. Marty  

  • ?            
  • 176K members

Top Contributors this Month

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

  • 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
  • Email Newsletters
  • Boat of the Year
  • 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
  • Cruising Boats
  • Pontoon Boats
  • Fishing Boats
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Water Sports
  • Boat Walkthroughs
  • What To Look For
  • Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
  • Boating Lab
  • Boating Safety
  • Ultimate Boat Giveaway

Boating Magazine Logo

2020 Jeanneau NC 895 Sport

  • By Chris Caswell
  • Updated: August 18, 2020

You don’t have to be a computer geek to know that abbreviations abound on everything from Twitter to emails (LOL), so I’m inventing one right now that will come up regularly in this test of the new Jeanneau NC 895 Sport: SFABTS. It stands for “Surprising for a Boat This Size,” and I’ll use it a lot.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport running near shore

The 895 translates from meters to just over 28 feet LOA. The NC stands for New Concept, which it certainly is for those of us on this side of the Pond. (It’s called the Merry Fisher in France, but I can see all kinds of issues with that translation.) This is the Sport version with twin outboards, and a boat that will find ready acceptance whether in colder northern waters or steamy tropics, or for fishing or family outings.

You might question the word “Sport,” since the styling is “commercial fishing boat vertical” with a square pilothouse and a windscreen that slants slightly forward rather than back, but it’s the first of our SFABTS moments. It doesn’t waste dashboard, it minimizes reflections, and it keeps rain off the windshield and sun off the helm.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport helm

Yet the NC 895 Sport is one of the brightest and lightest boats I’ve been aboard recently. Start with the windshield—one piece, two wipers, big. Then there’s side windows that start low (below dinette level) and go to the overhead, and an oversize slider aft (note the single level from transom step to helm).

But there’s more. Not only is there an opening window to port, but the skipper has a big walk-through sliding door next to the helm seat, which is perfect for short-handing, or just yelling at the gas dock attendant. I loved that the door can lock partially ajar, to give the skipper a taste of breeze on hot days. And then there are two large (33-inch) sunroofs that slide independently, so you can open the 895 to feel a breeze on four sides. Should this not be enough, opt for the Westerbeke 3.5 kW generator to power enough air conditioning to get you through the steamiest summer (or stretch your winter season by months with heat). There’s a dedicated cockpit compartment to make access easy.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport cockpit

A word about power: Jeanneau decrees you can have only twin 200 hp or 250 hp Yamahas, which the builder has chosen for the balance of power versus speed versus economy. The choice is easy: Go for the 250s. Yamaha engineering boffins were tinkering with props during our test, but we nailed a solid 47 mph while they fooled around. SFABTS. The engines are too close together for Yamaha Helm Master joystick steering, but our test boat had the optional Quick electric bow thruster for maneuvering.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport cockpit with seating

Interior and Accessories

The cockpit is nothing but cool, with an aft seat that slides forward so you can tilt the outboards above water. Imagine, replacing less zincs (or even lower units). Optional folding cockpit seats around the available 2-by-4-foot table (the French love alfresco dining) don’t hinder access to the starboard swim platform with folding ladder or the 16-inch-wide side deck to the bow wraparound seating.

Like all of us, the French fret about kids around water, so the cockpit coamings are a full 36 inches high, with gates protecting the two swim platforms. A starboard side-deck door through the coaming makes boarding from the dock easy, as well as jumping ashore from the helm.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport guest berth

Inside is SFABTS. Les Francais have, in a 28-footer, achieved two private staterooms, each with a closing door and nearly 6 feet of headroom to pull on les pantolons in the morning. There is an enclosed head (same headroom) complete with shower and a folding seat over the loo.

Up in the salon, the dinette easily seats four, and a backrest flips to become a forward-facing companion seat. The galley is elegantly simple, with a single gas burner and a pressure sink on the dash in front of the companion. A 68-quart fridge is tucked under the helm seat for, at a guess, 25 Champagne bottles to toast your smarts in acquiring the 895 Sport.

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport forward cabin

When it comes to sleeping off the Champagne, the forward stateroom has the expected V-berth, and it’s 7 feet long to minimize tangled toes.

The second stateroom is tucked under the salon, and I’d be tempted to claim this as the owner’s cabin because it has a 55-by-78-inch rectangular berth, just a few inches shy of a queen (60-by-80). Both cabins get great light through hullside windows, and the fore cabin has a large opening port as well as a hatch.

Shopping around? Check out the 9-inch-longer Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe with twin Yamaha 300s and more standard equipment: genset, thrusters, etc. ($304,937).

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport head belowdecks

Underway, the NC 895 Sport is a SFABTS hoot, with the power of 500 snorting horses to give skiers or wakeboarders a serious ride, and enough punch so the skipper should warn, “OK, hang on everyone,” when he nails the throttles. The 895 goads you into carving some doughnuts just for the heck of it, and we sliced through fat wakes with aplomb. The skipper has, by the way, a compact but thoughtful dash, with room for twin monitors, a tidy row of illuminated rockers, and optional ZipWake trim tabs, which did an admirable job of keeping us running fast and efficiently.

Solidly built by Jeanneau and with more than 1,500 already launched in Europe, the NC 895 is truly SFABTS: Surprising for a Boat This Size.

I loved her. Je l’aime !

How We Tested

  • Engines: Twin 250 hp Yamaha V-6 4.2-liter
  • Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II stainless-steel 3-blade
  • Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 1,300 lb.

High Points

  • Side-door access from the helm makes short-handing a cinch; kick out the fenders, grab dock lines, and be close to the helm.
  • Outboards that tilt completely out of the water eliminate many maintenance issues, especially in salt water.
  • Great access to service points, shut-off valves and battery switches.
  • Every ounce of possible space is used for stowage lockers or hatches.
  • One-burner stove says “let’s eat ashore,” unless you’re jonesing for soup. The builder should at least add a microwave.
  • Hanging locker should include either a bar or shelves.
  • Electronics rack atop the cabin roof for radar, antennas, spotlight, etc. is clunky.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $150,185 (with base power)
LOA: 29’3″
Beam: 9’10”
Draft (max): 2’0″
Displacement (approx.): 7,275 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees
Bridge Clearance: 8’8″
Max Cabin Headroom: 6’0″-plus
Fuel Capacity: 158 gal.
Max Horsepower: 500
Available Power: Twin 200 or 250 hp Yamaha outboards

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Jeanneau NC 895 Sport performance data

Jeanneau – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneauamerica.com

  • More: 20-30ft , boat tests , Boats , jeanneau , outboards , Runabouts , September 2020

Mercury Avator outboard running

Decoding the Horsepower Ratings of Electric Motors

Volvo Penta D6 diesel

Volvo Penta D6 Diesel DPI

Bayliner deckboat on the lake

Bayliner 2024 D Series Deckboats Debut

Boat trailer with short bunks

Is Your Trailer Right for Your Boat?

Lewmar Pro Fish Free-Fall

Ultimate Boat Anchor Winch Buyers’ Guide

Bayliner deckboat on the lake

How to Choose a Trailer Winch

Boat trailer with short bunks

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Visit our Popular Forums

  • Monohull Sailboats
  • Multihull Sailboats
  • Powered Boats
  • General Sailing
  • Antares Yachts
  • Fountaine Pajot
  • Lagoon Catamarans

Cruising Business

  • Boat Classifieds
  • General Classifieds
  • Crew Positions
  • Commercial Posts
  • Vendor Spotlight

Life Aboard a Boat

  • Provisioning: Food & Drink
  • Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
  • Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
  • Boat Ownership & Making a Living
  • Liveaboard's Forum

Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling

  • Seamanship & Boat Handling
  • Training, Licensing, & Certification
  • Health, Safety, & Related Gear
  • Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape

Engineering & Systems

  • Const. / Maint. / Refit
  • Product / Service Reviews
  • Electronics: Comms / AV
  • Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
  • Lithium Power Systems
  • Engines & Propulsion
  • Propellers & Drive Systems
  • Plumbing / Fixtures
  • Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
  • Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
  • Anchoring & Mooring

Photo Categories

  • Member Galleries
  • Life Onboard
  • Sailing in the Wind
  • Power Boats
  • Cruising Destinations
  • Maint. & Boat Building
  • Marine Life
  • Scuba Diving & Divers
  • General Photos

Recent Photos

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Listing Categories

  • African Cats
  • view more »
  • Crew Wanted
  • Crew Available
  • Enhance Your Account
  • Meet the Mods
  • Meet the Advisors
  • Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email
  > >

Cruiser Wiki

 
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums.
12-04-2015, 01:57  
- choosing between SO 50 DS and 48. Or for a first , would it be better to start smaller, J 41 DS vs. 41?
12-04-2015, 02:08  
Boat: Moody 31
for the and any additional ? and finally were are you thinking of .

Is this just a pipe dream or is there a reason why you need a 50ft boat? have you any experience of sailing?

Pete
12-04-2015, 02:57  
and rig quality as well as sea keeping capabilities of vs .

I just started sailing. Have very few miles logged. I just got my RYA . I just thought a 50 footer will have more space for . Thinking of putting 4-6 and , plus and
aircon. I'm open to starting with a 40 footer if that's a better way to start cruising life (weekends only).

Thanks.

J
12-04-2015, 09:13  
Boat: Bavaria 36
using Cruisers Sailing Forum
12-04-2015, 09:39  
Boat: CSY 44 Tall rig Sold!
12-04-2015, 10:02  
Boat: Comet 41s
than the DS50?

Regarding a 50ft for first sailboat only if you have lots of experience sailing other . There are many things that are much easier to learn on a smaller boat.
12-04-2015, 11:16  
Boat: Amel Super Maramu 53 ft
50 OCEAN on yacht world. Has all the bells and whistles you need and it's built like the proverbial brick house. Even has an art extension for your . Save some dosh and go dive in too. Diving instructor here. 😃
13-04-2015, 07:43  
13-04-2015, 07:48  
Cruiser 51. I liked it at first, but now leaning more towards the Jeanneau.

I went diving in last year. Awesome! Have you heard about S\V Delos? They sail and dive around the world on the same boat as yours.

J
13-04-2015, 07:57  
Boat: Jeanneau 44DS
13-04-2015, 08:03  
, , ? How's your 44DS, have you been sailing it for a long time now?
13-04-2015, 08:09  
Boat: Comet 41s
13-04-2015, 08:12  
Boat: President 43 Sportfish
13-04-2015, 08:15  
13-04-2015, 09:42  
Boat: Amel Super Maramu 53 ft
 
,
Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
:
Posting Rules
post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are
Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
ibrgic Monohull Sailboats 634 13-08-2022 17:22
bg9208 Monohull Sailboats 36 17-05-2015 12:52
marty9876 General Sailing Forum 21 15-04-2010 05:02
No Threads to Display.
- - - - - - -

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

YBW Forum

  • Search forums
  • Practical Boat Owner's Reader to Reader

Dufour VS Beneteau or Jeanneau?? are Dufour better

  • Thread starter oceanventure2
  • Start date 11 Jan 2007
  • 11 Jan 2007

oceanventure2

hi there i am looking at buying a boat from one of the above manufacturers.. my question being, are dufour better than bene or jeaneau? i have heard a few people say this.. if so in what way are they bettter, having owned a beneteau myself, i can say that some of the fixtures/fittings are cheap and nasty, all info appreciated..  

TwinRudders

TwinRudders

Agree with you on NEW Beneteau - horrible inside - cheap and nasty. The older ones have a much higher standard of craftsmanship/fitting - but that's just progress apparently... New Dufour look better - but then aren't they a lot more money? Happy new year to all. J  

they (dufour) are normally about 7% more expensive than beneteau. the new beneteaus are cheap and nasty inside, and i rekon would fall asunder over a few years use,.,  

Bajansailor

Bajansailor

Well-known member.

Are you on a personal crusade against Beneteau? They must have done something right to become the biggest (in terms of output) yacht builder in the world. I think that both Beneteau and Jeanneau are owned by the same parent company now. I also think that it is impossible to state categorically that one boat is 'better' overall than another - this can only be somebody's personal opinion, and another person might dis-agree. If Dufours are 7% more expensive than Bennys, one would expect the overall standard to be a bit better as well. In this day of automated boat building (same as robots building cars) one cannot expect to have handbuilt coachwork quality for mass production prices - you pays your monies and you takes your choice.  

Neil_M

Can't speak for Ben/Jen but as owner of a 2001 Dufour (30 Classic) I can confirm that it is well finished inside and out and holding up well after 4 seasons' regular use - no significant gear failures or noticeable wear and tear signs, other than a small persistent trickle from the stbd toe rail or chain plate - as with all modern boats its fiendishly hard to get to the underside of the fittings to find/fix it.  

Production built boats are in the same stage of development as production built cars of the 1960's, basically poor when compared to the hand built ones. Todays Production cars are well built well designed and last well, production boats have a long way to go yetbefore they reach that stage  

silver-fox

Active member

I can't answer your question but I can tell you that Dufour are owned by the same company that owns Beneteau/ Jeanneau as they were bought a few years ago when Dufor went bust.  

Dufour do have a slightly better reputation but having sailed both I can't say that I would regard one as significantly better than the other  

Sans Bateau

Sans Bateau

[ QUOTE ] as owner of a 2001 Dufour (30 Classic) I can confirm that it is well finished inside and out and holding up well after 4 seasons' regular use [/ QUOTE ] 4 seasons use?! who said these modern boats are made to last! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif  

I have bought a new Dufour 36 then a Dufour 38 and lastly a Jeanneau 43. The answer is really what do you want, whats important to you. IMHO all the manufacturers are paring down on the fitting to reduce costs so it can even be unfair to compare makes of boats of different age of design. eg rear mooring cleats on the newer 43 Elan are about 60% the size of the 40 Elan. If you are considering performance the Dufour 34/40/44 range appear good if you are considering quality/fitting construction of say the 385 etc range of Dufours I would consider the Jeanneaus better. One major deciding factor for me was the Volvo component. On the Dufours (although new) I had problems at various times necessitating replacing the complete engine, a gearbox, a saildrive and 2 Volvo folding propellers. My boats were on the charter market so got heavy use but not abuse and were regularly maintained. I therefore finally choose a Jeaneau with a Yanmar Engine and for once have now had 2 years of troublefree ownership. While trying to be helpful Dufour do not warantee the Volvo parts and you rely on the Volvo guarantee and their attitude of have to go to court under sale of goods act. I dont buy a boat for this level of agro so hence the Yanmar engine etc was a very major factor in my choice of boat. Where are you based? Charter boats have heavier usage and any problems are more quickly found. Ask the operators of charter companies that charter all these makes of boats and listen to their experience. When I started with HPYC about 80% of the boats were Volvo engined I think it is now down to 20%. You can either learn from others experience or buy your own!! Minor point but I did replace the springs that support the heavy fridge lids on the Jeanneau with the sliding locking Dufour type as the slightest touch when reaching down to the bottom of the fridge had the lid crashing onto your head! Hope this helps PM me if you have any specific questions.  

StugeronSteve

Not sure what you mean by earlier bennys. I have a 2002 Oceanis, which has had five years use by family (inc big teenagers) and lads trips and still looks like new inside. They might not have the flashiest interiors, but from my experience they stay in one piece.  

Sorry but I thought that and it was pointed out on this Forum that I was wrong . Dufour now have a tie up with Gran Soliel I believe. Regarding Beneteaus they are owned by the same parent company as Jeanneau but operate independantly. I would be surprised though if they don't combine bulk purchasing. The biggest difference between Jeanneau & Beneteau is the design departments with Beneteau going for an internal moulding that when glued to the hull forms the ribs and stringers while Jeanneau go for the more expensive conventional forming of seperate ribs and stringers (like the dearer Finngulf). I am not confident of a beneteaus ability to withstand impact without some delamination/seperation of the inner lining but then dont go aground or have impacts!  

the item on the top of my list is 1. must have yanmar, have heard to many issues with volvo saildrives. 2. engine must be easily accessible for maintenance.  

Glyka

[ QUOTE ] I can't answer your question but I can tell you that Dufour are owned by the same company that owns Beneteau/ Jeanneau as they were bought a few years ago when Dufor went bust. [/ QUOTE ] I think that Dufour (that went bust several times) is now in the same ownership as Grand soleil and Gib Sea. The group produces these three lines of boats aiming at different budgets. Grand Soleil : High Dufour : Medium Gib Sea : Low And of course Dufour is now just a brand name and has nothing to do with pre-1980 Michel Dufour design-built and MDSA.  

Jonny_H

Here Interesting read on this subject - Dufour vs Ben  

jonic

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I can't answer your question but I can tell you that Dufour are owned by the same company that owns Beneteau/ Jeanneau as they were bought a few years ago when Dufor went bust. [/ QUOTE ] I think that Dufour (that went bust several times) is now in the same ownership as Grand soleil and Gib Sea. The group produces these three lines of boats aiming at different budgets. Grand Soleil : High Dufour : Medium Gib Sea : Low And of course Dufour is now just a brand name and has nothing to do with pre-1980 Michel Dufour design-built and MDSA. [/ QUOTE ] Being some one who sells them and actually knows. Gibsea are no more. Dufour are linked only to Grand Soleil.  

andy_wilson

andy_wilson

Don\'t forget Bavaria... On the recent LIBS preview show they featured a small Bavaria and commented on how well engineered it was whilst showing a shot of the keel root. Can't think why, all the rest of the boats had dinettes and berths and instrument panels on show!  

As others have said it depends on what is important to you as which differences tip the balance. I chose Jen43 because the hull is hand laid and all stiffness is integral within hull, the Dufor I believe relies on the inner mouldings to augment hull integrity, the bonding between the mouldings and the hull is structurally important and access to the hull if it is pierced is as a result more difficult - but thats what I thought was important. However that said the latest offerings from Ben and Jen are IMHO "cheap" especially the Cyclades range from Ben. In recent times the 2000 - 2004 era for all these craft exibit better finish and the Dufor classic range (no longer in production) is very well finished the joinery in particular is very good - and they sail well. Incidentally many of the Bavs of 2000 has a finish similar to the current Ben; is this progress?  

Birdseye

[ QUOTE ] They must have done something right to become the biggest (in terms of output) yacht builder in the world. [/ QUOTE ] Yes they manufacture in France which means significant government subsidies and assistance over the years. Bit like Hanse. But then Renault are a huge car maker, and their quality leaves a lot to be desired.  

Yes and I wonder where Citroens come from, as well /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif  

Members online

  • MochiCraft35Fly
  • james.roberthayde@justice
  • FairweatherDave
  • Major_Clanger
  • twilliams_34

Share this page

Interesting Sailboats

Wednesday, may 20, 2020, beneteau, jeanneau, dufour, bavaria, hanse: building and design.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Cover and above, Jeanneau 440
Bavaria C45

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Hanse 458

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Dufour 430

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Hanse sandwish hull in some yachts
Hanse
Bavaria. Below, the C-line structure is similar to IT 13.98. 

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Dufour: structural contre moule.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Beneteau an Jeanneau

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Hull with a superior built (Solaris)
Hanse has sandwich bulkheads in some yachts
Hanse 418 one of the smallest MP with a SW hull

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

The Dehler 38 has a sandwich hull

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Elan and Salona have a vacuum infused sw hull

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

21 comments:

Incredible article! You made it easy to understand construction and cost differences in yacht manufacturing. Certainly not something you can easily read in mainstream publications! Thank you for your excellent work!

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

'You get what you pay for' still holds true, although with sailboats it's a bit harder to assess what you really get. Therefore, your article is important and helpful. Congratulations, it's an excellent piece! IMO the so-called mass-producers have good reasons to specify and build boats the way they are doing it. After all, there is a lot of demand for what I call floating condos with minimal sailing capabilities. Fortunately, there are alternatives available for those who care ... and have the cash to pay the difference. Best, Markus

Viva Paulo, que maravilha de artigo. Sigo o seu blog já uns bons tempos e é de longe um dos melhores e honestos blogs que já vi sobre Veleiros. Muito Obrigado por ensinar e ajudar a compreender melhor o lado menos conhecido da construção dos veleiros tão famosamente eleitos como o Veleiro do Ano... Dá que pensar! Paulo Rodrigues

olá Paulo, sem dúvida seu xará Paulo está fazendo um ótimo trabalho. eu também estou acompanhando o blog dele faz tempo e já aprendi muita coisa ... ;-) abcs, Markus

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Great article because it identifies a very important issue; value for money. Few people can afford the yacht of their dreams, but can be very happy with a boat that is more than adequate for their needs.

Great article indeed! Very helpful to better understand value in a very much "invisible" area... and with great technical insights. Well done, thanks!

Clear as usual, I think anyone want to buy a boat should read your blog first. Regarding the sandwich construction, many reported heavy problems in case of undetected water entry between the layers, with huge repairing cost. May be for a cruising boat, where some kg more in the hull is not an issue, a single skin well reinforced can have some advantages?

Hi Fillipo, when you say "water entry between the layers" I assume you mean water ingress to the core. The only way that can happen is trough outer skin damage or due to low quality gel coat/paint and polyester resin over the time (osmosis), and when I'm saying over the time I mean years and years. Vinylester and Epoxy resins don't have that problem Water ingress in the core is only a "big problem" in wood core like balsa core or plywood but not in close cells foam. When you say single skin can have some advantages over sandwich construction, the only way to compare both structures is to know the lay up applied in both cases, something nearly realisticly impossible. In same areas of the boat single skin is preferred over sandwich structures, some others, the contrary. Just an opinion ;) FRS

Great article!!! There is one detail can be used to see if a boat have been constructed for real sailing: the situation and length of the mainsheet track. I am pretty sure than in almost all the boats of this blog is in the pope and it is long. :-)

Great read thank you. There is one discrepancy you state " All mass production brands use deck steeped masts with compression posts". Dehler 38SQ and Dehler 42 both have kill stepped masts.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Hi, Your post entered the first time but it needs to be approved (lots of spam). You have to wait for that to be done for being published. I don't consider Dehler a mass production brand. The number of boats manufactured by year does not qualify it as that. I would say that is a medium production brand, like Grand Soleil for instance, that on the more sportive range, performance cruisers like Dehler, also use keel steeped masts. Almost all brands that make real performance cruisers, or cruiser racers, use keel stepped masts on their models, but none of these brands is a mass production brand.

Hi Paulo. Thank you for your response and clarification. Good to hear you do not consider Dehler as mass production brand. Funny enough they are owned by Hanse and produced is Hanse yard. You discussed Hanse and Dehler in you article along other makes and as a reader I was under impression you were. I keep enjoying reading your blog.

Hi Thomas, yes Dehler belong to Hanse group but they have a separated management, a bit like Grand Soleil belonged to Bavaria group (some years back), or as Nautitech belongs now to Bavaria group. Separated brands belonging to the same group. Nice to hear from you and sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but on the title of the article is clear what are the brands I am referring as mass production builders.

Also the Bavaria C57 is keel stepped.

Hi great insight and whilst been sailing sometime never really thought about construction just what the wife likes from the boat shows. Just put the deposit down on a Bavaria C57 and after checking she has a vacuum sealed foam core, solid GRP bottom and bonded stringers along with a keel step mast. Phew!

Hi Paulo, very interesting article. Small friendly correction from a true fan. The Hanse 458 comes with a sandwich hull, including a core-mat, which I guess is some high density foam as opposed to balsa, and an exterior vinyl ester, between the external GRP laminate and the gelcoat. This seems very similar to the build of Dehler, including for the bonded and laminated grid. I wonder what is your thinking and I pray for the new Hanse 460 to be built alike. Let's see. Cheers and goodspeed

They say that on the brochure but on the document that matters, the specifications, they say it is monolithic. Or it is an unacceptable error on the specifications, or more likely they used some parts of the brochure of the previous 45ft, that had in fact a sandwich hull. You can download the specifications on this page:http://hanseyachts.hr/range/hanse-458/#info

Thank you for this really great and informative article!

I think you try to explain building techniques and materials - but you miss to explain that the cost of a hull is around %30 of the total cost of a ready to sail boat. The interior of the "higher brands" is made of better, rounded, woods. that costs a lot more to build than plywood interior of French and German. I do not agree that Swedish or Germans and French sailboats hulls are built to last. You dont read them sunk or insurance prices in europe would shoot up. Bavaria now (2021) builds hand-laid for sailboats .. no more infusion. What i mean, they change their building methods (all the time more or less the same technologies tough) depending on the circumstances of the industry at that time. In the case of impact with a solid object, I do not believe a HR, Malo, X-Yacht compared to a French or German boat would have significantly different outputs. Their interior and deck fittings, very different. That is where the pricing differs.

jeanneau vs beneteau sailboats

Very good article (despite your complicated syntax :)

Fantastic article!! Thank you!!

COMMENTS

  1. Beneteau Vs Jeanneau: Which is Better?

    The Beneteau group acquired Jeanneau in 1995, so Beneteau and Jeanneau boats are essentially the same brand with some differences in how the two of them do things. Jeanneau produces luxurious and timeless boats by architects with a world-class reputation between 33 feet (like the Sun Odyssey 349) and 64 feet (like the Jeanneau 64). Their boats ...

  2. Bavaria vs Jeanneau vs Beneteau

    The boats that we are looking at are: Jeanneau 54DS (2016-2017) Pros - Galley & Saloon layout / All lines go to aft / 100HP motor available. Cons - waterline is 46'10 (smallest of all 3) Beneteau Oceanis 55 (2015-2016) Pros - Beam 16' 4" (largest of all 3)/ All Lines go aft / shoal draft (5'1") / Deck Layout.

  3. How to compare Jeanneau Vs. Beneteau

    7. - - Herzelia. Oct 3, 2004. #1. How to compare Jeanneau Vs. Beneteau u000bHi allu000bu000bI have been asked what is the difference between Jeanneau and beneteauu000bespecially in the high range, i.e.. 49 feet & up (mainly SO 49 & 54 and theu000bcomparable in Beneteau 47 & 57) - fully loaded yacht with full packageu000bOverall comments, if ...

  4. Twelve Top Bluewater Cruising Boats

    Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49. For a boat focused on the needs of the lucrative charter market, the Sun Odyssey 49 has proved a remarkably adept bluewater cruiser. A large cockpit, easily managed sailplan and fine all-round performance obviously have something to do with this; cool features like a dedicated sail locker in the bow and a large nav station belowdecks don't hurt either.

  5. Who Will Win The Battle Between Jeanneau vs. Beneteau

    Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Detailed Comparison. Now, as you've got the basics, let's dive deeper into the topic. We've divided Jeanneau vs Beneteau into 8 segments. Let's discuss them one by one. History and background of both. Jeanneau and Beneteau are two of the largest and most well-known boat manufacturers in the world.

  6. Sailing, Beneteau 38.1 vs Jeanneau 380

    Sailing, Beneteau 38.1 vs Jeanneau 380Join patreon https://www.patreon.com/chasinglatitudes?fan_landing=true for awesome perks and access to the members area...

  7. How to compare Jeanneau Vs. Beneteau

    Here is my two cents:u000bu000bIn the most general terms and with lots of exceptions I find that Beneteau's sail better and Jeanneau's have a bit more room and the level of fit and finish is a just a very small bit higher. Both builders build excellent boats but if sailing is your top prioirty I would give Beneteau a slight edge.u000bu000b--Dan ...

  8. Beneteau First 36: The Top 10 Best Boats Review

    The new Beneteau First 36 that debuted at Annapolis last fall checks all these boxes, and more. Enough that we here at SAIL happily anointed it one of our 2023 Top 10 Best Boats winners. This is a remarkably versatile craft. For a mass-production boat, it is quite light but also very strong, with a purely race-boat-quality build regimen.

  9. Jeanneau vs Beneteau: Which One Should I Choose?

    After digging through several boating blogs and forums, we discovered that newer Jeanneau models feature more robust hulls than Beneteau, which is majorly possible because of the introduction of glassed-in stringers in their hulls. When we compared this to the glued-in linear system used in Beneteau boats, we discovered that glass stringers are ...

  10. Sailing

    Sailing - Jeanneau 349 vs Beneteau oceanis 34.1Join patreon https://www.patreon.com/chasinglatitudes?fan_landing=true for awesome perks and access to the mem...

  11. Beneteau/Jeanneau : r/boating

    Beneteau/Jeanneau. I like the Beneteau Antares and Jeanneau NC model boats because of the enclosed salon/pilothouse. The enclosure with air and heat can definitely extend the boating season in my area around the Chesapeake Bay and since I rarely want to be in direct sunlight it's like a permanent bimini top over the boat.

  12. Jeanneau vs beneteau : r/BeneteauOB

    If this is the universe of boats that you are considering, you can't go wrong with either. Beneteau is the parent company of Jeanneau. The organization is equally committed to building great boats that sail and perform well. A lot of it will come down to appeal. We have a Jeanneau DS50, but equally found the Oceanis 50 attractive.

  13. Beneteau 393

    Beneteau 393 on the water. Founded in 1884, Beneteau originally built fishing boats for the Bay of Biscay. Still a family-run concern, it turned to yachts and has built sailboats throughout most of the 20th century. For more than a decade now it has been building boats onboth sides of the Atlantic.

  14. Beneteau vs. Jeanneau?

    Jeanneau and Beneteau boats from around 42 to 50 ft are all built at Cholet, was there only 2 weeks ago, they are all on the same production line. I was informed there are different factories for 50 plus feet and less than 40 ish feet, can't quite remember the exact size. Building boats of a similar size on the same production line is the most ...

  15. Beneteau v. Jeanneau, which way to go?

    We've been looking at boats for about eight weeks now and have narrowed the field to the Beneteau 361, and the Jeanneau 37. Although my wife is relatively new to sailing, I, unfortunately, have much more sailing behind me than in front of me. We expect to spend 90-95% of our time on the...

  16. Beneteau vs Jeanneau handling

    Location: Los Angeles, CA. Boat: Beneteau 423, 43'. Posts: 174. Re: Beneteau vs Jeanneau handling. 10 feet longer and nearly 2 feet wider are big differences between these boats. As was said before, what you experienced has almost nothing to do with the brands given so many other variables in the mix.

  17. Jeanneu 32 vs Beneteau 323

    Goals are to learn sailing and stay on the boat several days at a time (mostly at dock) Checking out a 2002 Jeanneau 32 Sun Odyss and a 2004 Beneteau 323. Any advice from experienced owners or sailors would be welcome. Six of one, half dozen of the other...both are actually made by Beneteau, which owns Jeanneau.

  18. Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Hanse, what about Elan? In depth ...

    In this episode we review main stream, similarly sized and priced production cruisers. We compare 8 to 10 year old production boats from Beneteau, Jeanneau, ...

  19. 2020 Jeanneau NC 895 Sport Boat Test, Pricing, Specs

    Jeanneau - Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneauamerica.com. More: 20-30ft, boat tests, Boats, jeanneau, outboards, Runabouts, September 2020. The Jeanneau NC 895 Sport is a boat that Boating's top crew of editors sea-trialed and evaluated so that boaters-boat buyers especially-can learn the in-depth details about this boat's ...

  20. Jeanneau vs Beneteau

    Boat: Jeanneau 44DS. Posts: 261. Re: Jeanneau vs Beneteau. Quote: Originally Posted by J2014. Hi Polux, I though the 509 and 50DS have the same hull. That's what I read about the 409 and 41 DS. The 50DS is the last production hull of the previous generation (if you exclude the 53 and 57). It's only the 41DS and the 44DS that are based on hulls ...

  21. Dufour VS Beneteau or Jeanneau?? are Dufour better

    If Dufours are 7% more expensive than Bennys, one would expect the overall standard to be a bit better as well. In this day of automated boat building (same as robots building cars) one cannot expect to have handbuilt coachwork quality for mass production prices - you pays your monies and you takes your choice.

  22. BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, DUFOUR, BAVARIA, HANSE: BUILDING AND DESIGN

    Hanse and Bavaria should be checked model by model. Smaller Hanse models are now built with single skin (monolithic skin), the 418 is the first with a sandwich-hull but the new 458 comes with a single skin hull and only bigger boats have a sandwich-hull. On Jeanneau, Dufour or Beneteau only the top and more expensive yachts use a sandwich hull.