Buying a new Beneteau

[BigMoe]

Dear Fellow Sailors:

I am looking to purchase a new or almost new Beneteau 393. I would appreciate any input you have to offer.

Thanks,

BigMoe

[sailingdog]

It depends... what are your plans for the boat...

[SailorMitch]

BigMoe,Send me a PM and I can give you the email address of the owner of the Bene 393 in the slip next to me. He likes the boat btw -- and it's the very first boat he has ever owned. People do start bigger these days. There's another 393 farther down the dock and I'm sure my slip neighbor can put you in touch with them as well.

[Vasco]

Big Moe,

There's a 393 group. All you ever wanted to know about 393's.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beneteau393/
393 group

[max-on]

Originally Posted by BigMoe

Dear Fellow Sailors:

I am looking to purchase a new or almost new Beneteau 393. I would appreciate any input you have to offer.

Thanks,

BigMoe

To comment, more info would be helpful. What new boat builders have you considered, what did you view as positive and negatives of the choices available, why have you decided on the bene?

[SailinJay]

Why would "more info" be helpful? He appears to have decided on specific boat and is looking for information on it. Why is any of the history of his decision relevant?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by SailinJay

Why would "more info" be helpful? He appears to have decided on specific boat and is looking for information on it. Why is any of the history of his decision relevant?

Because everyone wants to tell you what a dumb choice you've made and how B's aren't real "bluewater" boats. They're all poised over the keyboards just waiting to pounce.

Disclosure: If you look at the avatar it's my 393.

[Jeff_H]

But also because different models offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on the sailing venue and long term goals for the boat. A boat like a 393 makes great sense as a live aboard, or coastal cruiser in a venue with predominantly mid range wind speeds, but is less suitable as an offshore cruiser or as a coastal cruiser, or cruiser-racer in a venue with predominantly light air or heavy air. The 393 would be a lousy first boat for someone who really wanted to learn to sail well, but would be a reasonable choice for someone who wanted a boat that is big enough for their family and for whom learning to sail is not a priority.

Its not about pouncing; its about providing meaningful advice.

Jeff

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

The 393 would be a lousy first boat for someone who really wanted to learn to sail well, but would be a reasonable choice for someone who wanted a boat that is big enough for their family and for whom learning to sail is not a priority.

Is it possible that "wanted to learn to sail well" is a subjective term in this case? I enjoy reading your appraisal of different boats and their abilities, yet at the same time it seems like a boat's full potential is only reached by those with the attention and skills and commitment needed. As a result, a boat with limited potential could be sailed exceptionally well (even beyond its typical potential) by someone who is fully committed to it and the art of sailing. Conversely, a boat that is exceptional in design and capability may perform poorly if the crew isn't interested or committed to reaching its full potential.

I only bring this up, since it seems like choosing a boat you really like, and mastering it to the fullest extent possible (main limits: your own interest, time and commitment), might be better than focusing too much at performance potential that you may never follow through on. I think it's a positive thing to help others realize the real strengths and drawbacks of different boats and designs, but in the end, the boat they actually use and enjoy the most is the best criteria of success.


Thanks again for your posts.

Jim H

[max-on]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

But also because different models offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on the sailing venue and long term goals for the boat. A boat like a 393 makes great sense as a live aboard, or coastal cruiser in a venue with predominantly mid range wind speeds, but is less suitable as an offshore cruiser or as a coastal cruiser, or cruiser-racer in a venue with predominantly light air or heavy air. The 393 would be a lousy first boat for someone who really wanted to learn to sail well, but would be a reasonable choice for someone who wanted a boat that is big enough for their family and for whom learning to sail is not a priority.

Its not about pouncing; its about providing meaningful advice.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff H. I asked for more info, as many times after talking to someone about 'choice', we end up talking about other boats they did not consider, or even know about, or we discuss the various compromises of the designs/build (there are always compromises) and how they relate to their skills, goals, intended uses, venue, etc.