Like Catalina but just made a deal on a Beneteau

[Sailormann]

All the wenches seemed small to me

Yes - they keep themselves tres petite those French gals

[avazquez]

Originally Posted by bestfriend

GOOD FOR YOU! I have said it before and will say it again, I do not like the newer Beneteaus. Late 80's to mid 90's are much better, with a few exceptions, like the 370, which is a pig, but still styled very nicely and built better than the new ones.
The BAD, You didn't get a boat yet, sorry for that, but you will be better off. When I saw your first post a while back I said "oh well, there goes another one"
Good luck and happy hunting.

I totally agree........

I have a Beneteau myself but is FRERS designed 1984 First 456.......very well built with real wood....actually more wood than what I want to take care off....but overall a very solid boat.

I went to the last Strictly Sail and the Beneteaus were a total disapointment...the interiors had the same finish as a Walmart piece of furniture.....very plastic looking ....cheap cheap plastic looking veneers...

I would rather buy a well taken care used boat. Specially if you can pay the whole thing at once.....NO FINANCING

[CatalinaFan]

Some guy turned down the boat before I did.
He when over to another broker and bought a boat.
The broker that sold him the boat said the Beneteau had some problems.

CatalinaFan

[CatalinaFan]

Someone teach me to write!

[Cruisingdad]

Like I have said: Older bene, any catalina, or brand new Hunter. I am partial to the Catalinas, but others are not. I cannot recall what your budget is, but I think Calibers are underrated adn good boats. Lot tighter down below and a funky arrangement for the Nav station... but solid, heavy boats. A production tub would give you more room for live aboard.

Good luck. It will come.

- CD

[avazquez]

I would stay away from a new Hunter....far away...very far away.....

[Cruisingdad]

avazquez - I would stay away from a new Hunter....far away...very far away.....

Why? Do you own one or what has been your experience? There have been many people on this forum speaking out "for" the new Hunters. There seemed to be an apparent trend toward better quality.

If you have had a different experience, please let us know so we can advice otherwise. THanks.

- CD

[CBinRI]

I haver spent some time on a Frers designed Bene First 42 from the late 80s and think it is a better boat and one in very nice condition could be had within your budget. I would go for the lead keel, however.

[bustins]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I'm wondering if it was (in part) buyers remorse after hanging out in sailing forums? I've cruised on a 373 and it handled great and was plenty posh. Quality was at least on par with any other production boat near it's price. My only gripe was that for longer term cruising, one could use more stowage.

As a life long Island Packet and Cape Dory fan boy, I was pleasantly surprised.

[Bene323hfxns]

Wholly, a 2005 373 for $100,000 even. Is it coming out of charter?