The difference in a Bene 265 & 281??? Specs are simular....

Perithead · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Well, I am boat shopping, how exciting.

My Watkins 29 has been up for sale for about a month and I just recenetly put it on the Sailing Texas website. The day after that, I recieved a call from a local looking for a sailboat and he took a look at mine and liked it. So he came back to the boat last Monday and we went through it and he erally liked what he found. Then we went out sailing for about 3 and a half hours and we both really enjoyed ourselves.

I am hoping that he will purchase the boat so that I can move a little bit.

Anyways, I started looking at boats and my favorite is one I have been eyeing for a while, a Beneteau 265. But my mother and girlfriend say they don't want smaller boat and I understand so we started looking at the "larger" Beneteau 281. Then I started looking at the specs......

The Bene 265 has: LOA: 26'5", LWL: 24'2", Beam: 9'5".

Then, the Bene 281 has: LOA: 28' 6", LWL: 24' 3", Beam: 9' 5".

I found that to be a little odd. (These messurements are from the ads on YachtWorld.com)

The only real difference is the LOA of +1' 11" correct? Well does that just mean that the transom is a little longer? Or that the 281 could have a more pointed bow? What is the difference?

I am mainly interested in the difference of cabin size. Could it be that the beam in the 281 is carried farther forward or aft? Something like that?

Thanks everyone!

Perithead · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Also, I have checked the dimensions at another site to make sure they were correct and they are.

mstern · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

According to the beneteau owners.com website, the 265 has considerably less ballast and lower displacement:

265:

ballast: 1450
displacement: 4800

281:
ballast:1676
displacement: 5732

However, interestingly, their respective sail areas are not that different; the 265 has 330 sq. ft, and the 281 has 341.

Someone with more time and knowledge than I could take those numbers and tell you what their respective ratios mean in terms of sailing performance and stability.

Perithead · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Thanks mstern. You are right though, I bet it does effect the sailing characteristics. Also, if you noticed, the 265 has a draft 2" deeper....

I am really wanting to know the difference in the cabin more than the sailing characteristics though. I should have clarified that in the initial post, I think I will do that.....

Faster · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Looking at YW pictures, the layouts seem pretty similar, esp aft. The V berth/settee arrangements seem a little different, and apparently both models were made into the '90s. So if you can get yourself on board each of them perhaps you'll get a better feel, esp if your primary interest is liveability over sailing performance.

Sometimes the extra couple of feet is all cockpit (that in itself can be a distinct advantage) sometimes it's just a bit more elbow room below.

JohnRPollard · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

My understanding is that the 281 is a cruising series boat, whereas the 265 belongs to the First racer/cruiser series. If you are looking for a sportier boat, it might make more sense to compare the First 265 with the First 285. If you are looking for a newer cruising boat with more amenities, then the 281 would likely be the better choice.

I have spent a fair bit of time aboard 285s, and they are a lot of boat for the money. If you get interested in them let me know as there are some variations and problem areas to be aware of.

Perithead · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Thanks John, great information.

I wonder when you say amenities, would that mean that the factory just built the extra amenities into the boat? So the hull and all is really pretty much the same?

bubb2 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

The First 265 was created by naval architect Jean Marie Finot and has established a new benchmark in the sailboat industry. Design criteria included performance, interior volume and ease of handling.

Builder: Beneteau Designer: Groupe Finot
Dimensions
LOA: 26'5 LWL: 24'2 Beam: 9'5
Displacement: 4,800 lbs Draft: 4'2 Ballast: 1,450 lbs
Engines
Engine(s): Volvo Penta Engine(s) HP: 12 Engine Model: 2001R
Hours 235
Fuel: 8.25 gallons Water: 16.25 gallons Holding: Yes

The Oceanis 281, boasts all the attributes of this larger cousins...Confort, Volume, Stability, and of course, Performance. All Beneteau are built to the highest boat building standards to ensure safety and longevity, and a sound investment for you. The Oceanis 281...your dream has arrived.

Specifications

LOA : 28' 6"
LWL : 24' 3"
Beam : 9' 5"
Mast length (over water) : 38' 8"
Draft (standard) : 4' 00"
Ballast (standard) : 1,675 lbs.
Displacement : 5,732 lbs.
Engine : 18 hp.
Fuel Capacity : 8 gal.
Water Capacity : 50 gal.
Hull / Designer : Groupe Finot
Sail Area : 383 sq. ft.

Perithead · #9 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

I may be mistaken or forgeting the dimensions when I scroll back and forth, but I think they are the same...... correct me if I am mistaken.

No, I haven't been drinking lol

JohnRPollard · #10 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perithead

Thanks John, great information.

I wonder when you say amenities, would that mean that the factory just built the extra amenities into the boat? So the hull and all is really pretty much the same?

No, I'm pretty sure the hulls of the 285 and 281 are completely different. The 285 was designed very much with club racing in mind. It has a nice, tunable (bendy) rig with plenty of lines to pull. Not to say you couldn't, but I don't think racing was part of the 281 design brief.

The 285 has most everything you need for basic coastal/vacation cruising, but I think you'd find the 281 is better suited with more tankage, storage, etc. It is a more voluminous hull.