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Beneteau 423
Island Chief 60, If you think that the 423 and the 473 are constructed the same as the First 40.7, 43.7 and the 47.7 you have not done your homework. This is not all that hard.
Go aboard a 423 and a 473 double stateroom model and climb into the sail locker. If you look at the bulkheads forward and aft of you you will observe that they are glued in and not tabbed in. If you look at the bilge you will note that there are no longitudinal frames on the hull above or below the waterline. If you look overhead aft near the aft bulkhead you can see the hull to deck flange. It is approximately 2 1/2" to 3" in width. Walk into the forward head and you will note that the only transverse framing is the forward glued in bulkhead and there isn''t any longitudinal framing.
Now go aboard the First 40.7 and look in the lazarette. If you look at the bulkhead at the forward end of the locker you will notice that it is tabbed in with reasonably wide tabbing consisting of mulitple layers of glass. Look up at the deck flange and you will note fairly close bolt spacing and a 3 to 3 1/2" flange. Lift the bunk flat in the aft cabin and you will observe transverse and longitudinal framing. Do the same under the Vee berth and you will observe both transverse and longitudinal framing.
These are substantive differences. The glued in bulkheads alone should be a warning that this is not a boat that is suitable for the sheer amount of use no less abuse inplied in a circumnavigation. If you do not understand the significance of these easy to observe differences that I would respectfully suggest that you need to bone up on boat construction before you attempt your circumnavigation.
Lastly, all of us who have made comments here do so to be helpful to you in your process of selecting a boat. You came here soliciting information and we have provided it in the spirit of being helpful and honest. I, for one, have nothing to prove here. I have submitted my comments in the same spirit that I would attempt to throw a line to help any sailor who is in need of help. Trying to be insulting towards those of us who have attempted to be of assistance to you is just plain rude and out of line.
Respectfully,
Jeff
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