French and US built Beneteau's

[chappyonice]

I'm curious as to what differences there may be between Beneteaus built in France and Beneteaus built in the US? I am looking at a 311 that was built in France and brought over on a container ship back in late 99.

Thanks,
Todd

[seanseamour]

I have commissioned three Beneteau', one US and two french built. My first was the 321 which I sailed over to the Med in 1996, sold it for my first center cockpit. The agents that reviewed the US built 321 were impressed by the quality, notably rig and gelcoat. With the exception of minor details commissioning and the first year went very well -- which I cannot say for the two subsequent vessels (40 and 44cc) that gave me nightmares. Inthe end B worked out the problems.

[bfraga]

I have a 1991 38'firs US built, and my only problem is that some times you find parts in milimeters and other in inches, so need to have tools for both standards. The rest is excellent quality.

[negrini]

I spent 2 months negotiating with french dealer, but finally moved into US factory for dolar rate advantage. Boats are from same project and share same plugs (done in France), but I'm glad to hear the gelcoat has a superb finish. Also, woodwork comes ready to assembly from France, and I suspect the handwork in US will be super as well. From a standard listing perspective, both are quite different, probably due to different markets. In french benes are 3 cabin standard, and no cost for 2 cab version, so I suppose US has less people on board in general. US has in mast furling as std, french has it at EU 770 option, puting french on pure sailors galery (well, from an allien perspective), but they insist on slides rather roller battencars. Rigging in US are stronger, winches are 48 against 46, the french. Microwave is standard in US. Radio and audio installation is std in US, and optional in France but without MP3 capability. Heard nightmares about sails from France, where several required replacement, while from US comes the wordless NorthSails.
About dealer options, US is far better, so bimini and dog are very poor construction in france. I just saw an OC46 standing on rain, and all the cushions on deck got suck in water, due to poor dog/bimini shelter (I consider it unacceptable if you compare to the finish a popular simple japaneese car carry). Also, tubbing structure in US will hold kids beter, I suspect french built (smaller diameters) will fail within a few parties with friends kid's and ours hanging on it.
From all in all, I have great expectations from an US built Beneteau, where I disagree with people that loves old Benes, although old ones are darker, with dark internal woodwork giving people the real wood sense, new ones are much more clean and brighter internaly/externaly and much beter fit to actual cruising needs.

[Vitesse473]

This is a tough subject!! We American's often times view the French (or any European's) as a bit light on the work ethic (fool be weary of thyself). However, last I checked, the French historically build very solid and fast ocean going vessels.

In my boats case, Groupe Finot is the naval architect. They are world renowned for building very competitive ocean racing vessels. I happen to proudly own a B473 that was built in France, and now presides in SF. That's mainly because it was designed by Groupe, and built by French men and women who are descendent's of some of the very first boat builders who decided to go West.

My Dad's 1991 First 38s5 was built in the States, and he didn't have any complaints for 15 years. It was a nice SF Bay speedster and he had no issues as an owner. He thinks my 473 is 10x the boat for ocean going purposes.

Let's keep recent US/France political separation out of this discussion. As an American having visited France several times in the past five years, I will say the people are simply extraordinary. It's our stupid politicians that screw that up. If you are an American, go to France and experience first hand how great they are. Go sailing with them and you'll likely be humbled by their experience; I think only the Kiwi's start sailing at a younger age.

[negrini]

Vitesse, didn't get your point !!?? It's a plain comparison for same boat offered to different markets. This has nothing to do on who built it, nor a nation judgement !! Your dad probably think that due to natural differences among Cruisers x Racers ....

[funsailthekeys]

One issue we have with foreign build vessels is that they can't be used for charter. I feel this would hurt the resale value. A waiver is possible but expensive and very restrictive. This is just to put a twist on things.

[hellosailor]

Is it true that the US built BendyToys have traditional fresh water systems, but the French models only have provisions for stowing wine and mineral water?

[Zanshin]

Hellosailor - the French built boats have 3 water tanks - "red", "white" and "washup"

funsailthekeys - that is the first I've ever heard about foreign built boats in the US; but I have heard of issues with foreign owned boats.

[blt2ski]

Hmmmmmmm, need to find the two other tanks, have the wash up, but not sure where the "red" and "white" tanks are? Must be the new french models, not those of us built in the 80's! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Or is this a bendy toy option only? not for us with Jeanneau's or equal?!?!?!?!?!

marty