Beneteau 311

[jbarros]

So, my father is reletivley set on the Beneteau 311. I''m going to get him to look at a First too, but he''s rather price concious (was previously looking at the Catalina 270) anyone care to share some advice or observations about the Beneteau line?

Thanks

-- James

[bubb2]

Ahoy James

I do not have any direct experiance with the 311 model, however, I am an owner of a 1999 Beneteau 281 which is the model the 311 replaced. I have looked (inside and out) at a 311 at my Beneteau dealer.

I find the boats to have more in common then i see diffrences, so i will relate my thoughts about my boat and hope that will be helpful to you.

Let me first explain i don''t hold to the bigger is better school of thought and 90% of my sailing is single handed. I cruise the NorthEast and find that the 281 is an excellant coastal cruiser. Simple systems that are done well. She will stand up in a blow but you will have to reef earlier than other boats. Once you have the sail plan balanced for the condistions your sailing in she runs like she is on a rail. I have been out in winds of 35+kts making 8+ kts which is all you can ask of a boat with a 25 ft waterline. She handled it well.

On the other hand, she is not the best light air boat. Buy a cruising chute as I use mine often.

She will sail closer to the wind than most others and give you a respectable turn of speed in winds speeds over 10 kts.

I bought the boat new in 1999 and have experianced no major problems, just keep up on the mantainance as you would with any other boat. Go for the Yammar, change the filters each year and she will start every time.

Any time I needed parts or questions anwsered my dealer and Beneteau have been more that helpful.

When I was shopping for my boat I looked at all the others but kept comming back to Beneteau as I feel you get more boat of the dollar with the Beneteau.

I hope this helps and if I can anwser any other questions please let me know.

Regards, Mike S/V BubbaII