Jeanneau 42DS

[JSCox]

I am considering purchasing this boat new, I would like comments on Jeanneau, quality, problems, etc. How does this boat compare to a Hunter of the same size?

[hsilvermanmdjd]

I have owned a Hunter (34 foot), a Pearson 422 and now a Jeaneau 54DS. I think in each I case I got what I paid for...the 54 DS being the most expensive clearly has better joinery and hardware. But the Hunter was good value. If you are buying a new boat then more important than comments on boat are comments on the dealer. All boats built by longstanding, respected builders (such as Hunter or Jeanneau) will have issues. The question is how will your dealer handle the problems. If you are my neck of the woods (New England) I can strongly recommend Eastern Yacht Sales. Very responsive and willing to go the extra mile. For example, I am repositioning my boat to the VI for the winter. Glenn Walters (EYS sales) has helped me with all kinds of advice including finding a captain (to get the boat down), to where base it, etc.

[grantgoulding]

Personally have had too many problems with my 42DS - how is everyone else fairing?

[S/VNirvana]

I have a SO49 in charter and it's doing great. Will be bringing her up to CT in Summer, 2008. They had a problem with the joker valves in the heads and they just replaced all the heads with new ones.

[Waymar83]

JS,
Your original post was in August, 2006.......Did you get the Jeanneau?

[Denouement]

Originally Posted by grantgoulding

Personally have had too many problems with my 42DS - how is everyone else fairing?

What kind of problems have you had? And what year is the boat? Thanks!

[grantgoulding]

Problems:
Stress cracks on coach roof panel that covers lines. they won't replace - now repaired and looks awful!
Hole in gelcoat appread in deck by mid ship cleat area
Cracking of teak tow rail by anchor
peeling of gel coat in anchor locker
failure of drinking water pump
when boat was lifted water drained for a week from keel to hull joint which suggests water is being allowed to seep into keel
forwarded heads tap, towel hoop and locker button corroding
very poor fitting and quality of joinery below which allows it to bemarked easily
Laminate floor - where they screwed in the floor panels they have cipped the laminate
picked up rubbish in engine water intake which meant the water lock becmae damaged - it is located within the port side engine bearer - and it had melted whihc made it almost impossible to remove. I then realised just how poorly made the boat was. Self tappers into the glass fibre with the ends of the screens poking through to the other side etc
all this on a July 2006 boat!
You can buy a Bavaria 42 cruiser for 40k less in the UK and the quality can't be any worse surely! I have had three Jeanneaus now and they have really cut corners now - this will be my last. I know the 49/54 is worlds apart in terms of quality - I wonder where the 46 will sit?