Should I Buy a Beneteau Oceanis 38.1?

[Rude Dog]

Any update, was it delivered yet?

Wow. I thought this thread had died a natural death....thanks for asking, Scottish.

Update

Beneteau pushed the completion date back to 23 April- so about a month to go. Hull #760 (reportedly) will be ready to leave the factory in less than 30 days! Soon the torture will be alleviated.

It was up in the air until 2 weeks ago but we are definitely going to Charleston and even know the boatyard where commissioning will take place. I'm told the yard and its personnel are really good. I hope so because they are about to meet a picky-as-hell, PITA customer (me).

I landed a nice financing offer, working with an experienced yacht loan broker in the Bay Area- the same lady who was instrumental in getting my last boat loan over 13 years ago. The Beneteau dealer was helpful by agreeing to add a lot of extra stuff to the sales contract in order to include in the financing- so things like bedding (not cheap!), North sails, electronics, TuffLuff mainsail track, safety equipment and so forth, can all be financed.

As for me: This San Fransicko native, who's spent his entire life in the Bay Area, will join over 500,000 Californians last year and emigrate from this once-great state. I have been methodically cleaning out my house, getting rid of or giving away 20 years' worth of accumulated stuff, packing everything else in moving boxes, organizing a storage space (I may return one day- depends on where my kids settle and raise their families); I sold my beloved truck and trailer (see photo), and am down to one passenger car. I have no idea if I'll like the east coast, but the change of scenery is bound to make life interesting. I obsess constantly on the new boat....

I decided to add radar to my electronics package although I have never had it before, never used it or ever needed it. But I figure "Anything worth doing....is worth overdoing!" And besides, I remind myself: this is a cruising boat, not a race boat!

My younger brother, who moved to North Carolina over a year ago, is joining me next month for a cross-country drive- the first time I've ever driven across the continent. I'll live with him and my sister in law as I await delivery of the boat. In the meantime, I plan to travel down to Jacksonville and sniff around some liveaboard marinas (suggestions anyone?), as my goal is to establish FL residency sometime next year, where I'll be able to live affordably and comfortably. I'll continue up the Carolina coast including a stop-in at the boatyard in Charleston, to lay the groundwork for the commissioning by meeting the people and discussing my 4-page (!) commissioning project list.

My bro is going to hang with me in Charleston for a few weeks and help with getting the boat dialed in. Hoping to be able to do sea trials, instrument calibration, outfitting, etc. in time to make a trip up to Newport/Nantucket region this summer, but will not be hasty or in a hurry- hell- I have the rest of life to figure out where to go next.

Hopefully, I'll meet some locals and make new friends in Charleston who will want to go sailing with me, as I'll truly be the new kid on the block.

OK, back to moving and packing activity on another rainy day. The clock continues to wind down...the adventure soon to commence!

 

[mckenzie.keith]

As for me: This San Fransicko native, who's spent his entire life in the Bay Area, will join over 500,000 Californians last year and emigrate from this once-great state.

I am an SF native also. SI class of '85. I haven't left the state but I moved out of the city to the Santa Cruz mountains.

 

[kinardly]

Saw an article in the news, don't know if it was a plant by Gov. Newsom's PR Dept., that California wasn't even in the top ten most expensive retirement states when everything is factored in. As I recall, most of the top ten were on the East Coast. I don't like what's been happening here either but I do recall flying into Jacksonville on a cross country in August and it was freakin' hot, like way hotter than my home base in Texas. A few years later I flew in from San Diego in January and it was freakin' COLD! Like down in the thirties, frost on the pumpkin and all that. I often hate it but I'm stayin'.

 

[CruiserJim]

Thanks for the update, hope it all goes well, do let us know how it’s going as you take delivery. Some observations:

1. I think you will love radar. Had it on my boat it SoCal and it was a game changer in the fog, even helpful checking distances from objects, other vessels and shorelines even in good visibility. When I sailed with friends from BVI to Cape Cod via Bermuda, squalls showed up really well on radar.
2. I’m a CA native and 63 yr lifelong resident until two years ago, where our kids have settled. I like your plan to sail now, see where your kids go. And probably good timing to get outta Dodge so to speak.
3. Enjoy the drive. I’ve found truck stops have good coffee and clean restrooms.

 

[CruiserJim]

Saw an article in the news, don't know if it was a plant by Gov. Newsom's PR Dept., that California wasn't even in the top ten most expensive retirement states when everything is factored in.

This could very well be true. CA doesn’t tax Social Security, many states don’t, but some do. And while CA’s max income tax rate is high, it’s progressive so a married couple with SS, some investment income and IRA withdrawals can be in a very low effective CA bracket. If your home is paid for and was bought years age, Prop 13 caps property taxes nicely, and over 55 you can downsize and transfer your prop 13 tax. Our house was long paid off, my wife and I could have lived out retirement very comfortably in OC. But for our kids trying to get started and eventually raise families, CA didn’t make sense. They all migrated to ID, so we did too.

But for someone looking to sail off into the sunset, some CA county tax collectors will continue assessing property tax on the boat even when it has left the state, so it’s good to establish residency elsewhere before sailing away. Rude Dog's doing it well, his new boat will never be under CA jurisdiction.

 

[Rude Dog]

I am an SF native also. SI class of '85. I haven't left the state but I moved out of the city to the Santa Cruz mountains.

SI Cherry! (kidding- just an old taunt from back in the day. My bro went to SI. I went to Riordan for 1 semester in my sophomore year)

 

[Rude Dog]

Saw an article in the news, don't know if it was a plant by Gov. Newsom's PR Dept., that California wasn't even in the top ten most expensive retirement states when everything is factored in. As I recall, most of the top ten were on the East Coast. I don't like what's been happening here either but I do recall flying into Jacksonville on a cross country in August and it was freakin' hot, like way hotter than my home base in Texas. A few years later I flew in from San Diego in January and it was freakin' COLD! Like down in the thirties, frost on the pumpkin and all that. I often hate it but I'm stayin'.

Interesting! I am not planning to stay down in FL in the summers! Just a tax haven, really.

 

[Rude Dog]

This could very well be true. CA doesn’t tax Social Security, many states don’t, but some do. And while CA’s max income tax rate is high, it’s progressive so a married couple with SS, some investment income and IRA withdrawals can be in a very low effective CA bracket. If your home is paid for and was bought years age, Prop 13 caps property taxes nicely, and over 55 you can downsize and transfer your prop 13 tax. Our house was long paid off, my wife and I could have lived out retirement very comfortably in OC. But for our kids trying to get started and eventually raise families, CA didn’t make sense. They all migrated to ID, so we did too.

But for someone looking to sail off into the sunset, some CA county tax collectors will continue assessing property tax on the boat even when it has left the state, so it’s good to establish residency elsewhere before sailing away. Rude Dog's doing it well, his new boat will never be under CA jurisdiction.

Thanks for the comments, Jim. Wilco on future reports. God knows the Cruising Anarchy forum could use it. Yep, I am making an effort to escape the CA Tax Man, as I don't have a Prop 13 fallback (after my divorce 15 years ago I did not buy another house, have just rented). Truth is, my move is mostly about sailing, being on waters I've never been, and just shaking up a rather sedentary life spent entirely "out here" instead of "somewhere else."

And the east coast delivery is definitely a cost-cutting move. If I remain in CA and have the boat delivered to Marin county (where I live), the effective sales tax would be 10%- more than $30,000! I do, however, anticipate having to pay a 6% property or use tax on the boat in Florida, once I establish residency. One way or another, government will find a way into your wallet. Fortunately, FL does not tax Social Security income, either.

Appreciate the observations on radar. Makes me that more happy I went for it. Oddly, the guy who owns the Beneteau dealership was breaking my balls (subtly) regarding the extent of my electronics, sails and rigging choices, basically insinuating I am engaging in overkill. WTF? I know what I want and I don't think I'm overdoing it in the least. For example, I'm installing a B&G mounting bracket beneath the gooseneck to house three 20/20 display units. Maybe no other Beneteau buyer thinks of this (!) but in my mind, these are essential pieces of gear. Why? When you're driving a boat, it's awesome to have those big, highly visible displays right in your usual line of sight while you're steering, instead of having to divert your eyes away from looking forward. This can be sort of a big deal, especially if running downwind on a dark night in hairy conditions.

OK, time to get back to move preparations. Today I work on packing up the kitchen. Paper plates and plastic cutlery for the next couple of weeks before the cross country drive. Thanks for tip on truck stops- I'm sure we'll be checking out a few!

 

[Tilaya]

God day, I just stubbled across this tread searching for opinions on crossing the Atlantic wit our 38.1 (2021) Hull # 601.

We are a couple, cruising the MED since we picked up our boat at Canet en Roussillon (S-France). There we had a 2 Month period for a fit out with the intention to optimize some interior space and enhance our independence from Marinas.

We also fitted the additional electronic from B&G and AMEC as the basic package gave a good basic installation NMEA bus installation, but the offered extra packages did not fit our need or were overpriced.

Boat model: straight galley, 2 cabins + shower, swing keel, arch, Code 0 extras

Our extras include:

Factory options:

• 40hp engine
• Bow thruster
• Rolling furling & main, Code 0
• Larger windlass
• Fly screen on windows (most useless, newer used, does not fit)
• Electric toilet

Quote:
I have submitted several "asks" to Beneteau that may or may not be granted:…

We had no luck with our suggestions of enhancements. This boat is IMO a strictly SAP- manufacturing SW controlled issue. Not in the SAP-System – No go.

We ordered some enhancement from the company preparing the boat for launching in S-France and a lot of enhancements we did ourselves:

• Starboard locker (installed standardized plastic drawers in railing shelf) (from our experience, very handy)
• Stern Arch for Solar Panel (760Wp) and dinghy “davids” (keeps our domestic batteries well charged, no engine hours on anchor)
• Compasses 2pcs (changed, delivered model was useless in night sailing and waves)
• AIS System from AMEC
• VHF radio Standard Horizon GX 6000
• Arial VHF, Antenna splitter (AMEC)
• Radar (B&G Halo +)
• Plotter (Vulcan 12”)
• Stowage enhancements Inside and stern locker (for lines)
• 20kg Rocna Anchor with 80m 3/8 chain
• Safety gear….
• Dinghy, not to heavy to lift with our simple crane

Mobility: 2pcs electric scooters (Mio)

Our experience with Beneteau:
after 3 months we had a failure in the rig, Beneteau response was outstanding, in less than 6 hours we had a new stanchion, they replace 3 more just for safety reasons.

We have an issue on the hull (from transport) this took Beneteau a little longer to accept as an warranty issue, but now it is in repair by Beneteau.

Getting technical information from Beneteau, we consider this to be very professional. We got drawings, schematic drawings and other from Beneteau service centre without issues. Hence, top!

Performance:
We are coming from multi hull sailing / regatta, the 38.1 does not surf, unfortunately 😉

• The furling system brought completely to the cockpit increases safety and supports single hand sailing if it has to be.
• We are happy with the performance, the wide stern and the double ruder gives the boat a nice stiffness and fine control on the wheel.
• We reached top speed over 8 kn with the right winds. (partial furled sails have a decent shape)
• On light wind the Code 0 is marvellous, we would not like to miss it.

We were out on anchor on sand (100feet of chain on 10fett depth) with 44kn. The boat did rock, but a handful others where drifting past us.

We sailed in 33kn abeam, no issues. (Though the wind did open the furled
Code 0, but this is considered a mistake by the skipper. He had to take it down in the 33kn 😊)

The radar is great for night sailing. There are still boats out there without AIS and no lights on. Well at least in the MED. Those are easy picked up by the radar. (its my first and I would want to miss it anymore)

We also like the swing keel:

• It has more draft (2.45m) which IMO supports the stiffness of the boat sailing.
• Running on sand or weed does not damage the keel
• We can get in to bays and close up to docksides with less than 4 ½ feet water depth. In the MED often the difference between get space to anchor or a berth at the dock.

I also like the two seats at the wheels, watchkeeping of 6hrs as we do might get into the legs.

With our weather shade over the wheels (solar panels) even a rainy day sailing on the engine can be comfortable.

You bought a very versatile boat, reasonable fast and comfortable at anchor. In heavy choppy seas like in the MED a good hand at the wheel will help. But we never had to fear or felt unsafe.

Lots of talk is going on if a production boat is sae to cross the Atlantic… A research on this topic brought me to this forum. The question is, crossing the Atlantic the boat will be heavy (Food, people…) and how often would we encounter Force 8+ winds?

We wish always a hand of water under the keel and a lot of fun with your boat.

Have we solved the issue with crossing the Atlantic we thought of sail the ICW 😊

BR
Conrad, SY Tilaya

“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btFkRjxbfg4&list=PLBuCiyyrRnbgkwaJJIVKAUhFaPB_Z7qx3&index=11&t=8s”

 

[Rude Dog]

Thanks for this post. I truly appreciate it.

I had not spoken to or heard from anyone yet about the swing keel. While I love the concept, I don't like the squared-off shape of the foil, so I went with the deep draft. Of course, I lose the advantage of being able to go into shallow moorings.

Glad to read your observations on radar- I am glad I'm going to have it.

I'm a little surprised to read the 38.1 "won't surf." Of course we know it will never plane, put never surf? hmmmmm....

I've never doubted the B38.1's ability to cross the Atlantic- or about any ocean for that matter. Sure, it's purely a mass-produced production boat with zero options to customize, it's a great design, strong and sturdy.

Hope to see you out on the water one of these days!

 

[Rude Dog]

God day, I just stubbled across this tread searching for opinions on crossing the Atlantic wit our 38.1 (2021) Hull # 601.

We are a couple, cruising the MED since we picked up our boat at Canet en Roussillon (S-France). There we had a 2 Month period for a fit out with the intention to optimize some interior space and enhance our independence from Marinas.

We also fitted the additional electronic from B&G and AMEC as the basic package gave a good basic installation NMEA bus installation, but the offered extra packages did not fit our need or were overpriced.

Boat model: straight galley, 2 cabins + shower, swing keel, arch, Code 0 extras

Our extras include:

Factory options:

• 40hp engine
• Bow thruster
• Rolling furling & main, Code 0
• Larger windlass
• Fly screen on windows (most useless, newer used, does not fit)
• Electric toilet

Quote:
I have submitted several "asks" to Beneteau that may or may not be granted:…

We had no luck with our suggestions of enhancements. This boat is IMO a strictly SAP- manufacturing SW controlled issue. Not in the SAP-System – No go.

We ordered some enhancement from the company preparing the boat for launching in S-France and a lot of enhancements we did ourselves:

• Starboard locker (installed standardized plastic drawers in railing shelf) (from our experience, very handy)
• Stern Arch for Solar Panel (760Wp) and dinghy “davids” (keeps our domestic batteries well charged, no engine hours on anchor)
• Compasses 2pcs (changed, delivered model was useless in night sailing and waves)
• AIS System from AMEC
• VHF radio Standard Horizon GX 6000
• Arial VHF, Antenna splitter (AMEC)
• Radar (B&G Halo +)
• Plotter (Vulcan 12”)
• Stowage enhancements Inside and stern locker (for lines)
• 20kg Rocna Anchor with 80m 3/8 chain
• Safety gear….
• Dinghy, not to heavy to lift with our simple crane

Mobility: 2pcs electric scooters (Mio)

Our experience with Beneteau:
after 3 months we had a failure in the rig, Beneteau response was outstanding, in less than 6 hours we had a new stanchion, they replace 3 more just for safety reasons.

We have an issue on the hull (from transport) this took Beneteau a little longer to accept as an warranty issue, but now it is in repair by Beneteau.

Getting technical information from Beneteau, we consider this to be very professional. We got drawings, schematic drawings and other from Beneteau service centre without issues. Hence, top!

Performance:
We are coming from multi hull sailing / regatta, the 38.1 does not surf, unfortunately 😉

• The furling system brought completely to the cockpit increases safety and supports single hand sailing if it has to be.
• We are happy with the performance, the wide stern and the double ruder gives the boat a nice stiffness and fine control on the wheel.
• We reached top speed over 8 kn with the right winds. (partial furled sails have a decent shape)
• On light wind the Code 0 is marvellous, we would not like to miss it.

We were out on anchor on sand (100feet of chain on 10fett depth) with 44kn. The boat did rock, but a handful others where drifting past us.

We sailed in 33kn abeam, no issues. (Though the wind did open the furled
Code 0, but this is considered a mistake by the skipper. He had to take it down in the 33kn 😊)

The radar is great for night sailing. There are still boats out there without AIS and no lights on. Well at least in the MED. Those are easy picked up by the radar. (its my first and I would want to miss it anymore)

We also like the swing keel:

• It has more draft (2.45m) which IMO supports the stiffness of the boat sailing.
• Running on sand or weed does not damage the keel
• We can get in to bays and close up to docksides with less than 4 ½ feet water depth. In the MED often the difference between get space to anchor or a berth at the dock.

I also like the two seats at the wheels, watchkeeping of 6hrs as we do might get into the legs.

With our weather shade over the wheels (solar panels) even a rainy day sailing on the engine can be comfortable.

You bought a very versatile boat, reasonable fast and comfortable at anchor. In heavy choppy seas like in the MED a good hand at the wheel will help. But we never had to fear or felt unsafe.

Lots of talk is going on if a production boat is sae to cross the Atlantic… A research on this topic brought me to this forum. The question is, crossing the Atlantic the boat will be heavy (Food, people…) and how often would we encounter Force 8+ winds?

We wish always a hand of water under the keel and a lot of fun with your boat.

Have we solved the issue with crossing the Atlantic we thought of sail the ICW 😊

BR
Conrad, SY Tilaya

“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btFkRjxbfg4&list=PLBuCiyyrRnbgkwaJJIVKAUhFaPB_Z7qx3&index=11&t=8s”

Ahoy, Conrad!

Watched your video- quite enjoyable. Loved the music selections and seeing the places visited.

Australian registry of the boat, German subtitles, your wife speaking what sounds like a Scandinavian language, is all a bit intriguing...

Now that I've seen how you've set up your lovely Talaya....of course she won't surf! The fact you even hit 8 knots is impressive. She's been loaded up with a staggering amount of cruising paraphernalia extravaganzas. Add to having the bow thruster (with its 2 additional batteries in the front of the boat), the sadly misplaced 53 gallon forward water tank in the bow, the temple-like roof over the cockpit, and God knows what else you've added, there's just an obscene amount of extra weight on the boat. Coupled with the mast-furled main, the low-performance Elvstrom alleged sails, etc...... has morphed your performance cruiser into a bloated, sluggish galleon. Good thing you have the 40 hp engine, but no, she'll be dog under sail at all times, and in under 8 knots of TWS, forget about- you're motoring. She will be unable to sail to her actual performance potential- not even close.

But! Comfortable as hell, perfect for what you're doing, those solar panels produce lots of energy, and it's all about making it your boat, the way you want it to be. You folks look incredibly happy with her, and you're living the dream. And you've reinforce that I am super-happy with my decision to build my own Beneteau 38.1. That will- guaranteed- surf.

 

[Scottish_Sailor]

Thanks for the update rudedog, will be great to see some pictures when you get the new boat. By the way I have no problems getting my Oceanis 35.1 to surf, though it's pretty light on equipment.

 

[Panope]

Could someone give me a precise definition of the "surfing" that is being discussed.

 

[Rude Dog]

Could someone give me a precise definition of the "surfing" that is being discussed.

"Precise" definition? Not sure I can do that. When you're experiencing a burst of speed thanks to wave-driven momentum that well in excess of hull speed. The water's gushing loudly, the knot meter jumps to +10 or greater, and the high speed is sustained for a substantial distance, before returning to "normal" pace. Easy to experience it; harder to write down exactly what is happening.

 

[Rude Dog]

Thanks for the update rudedog, will be great to see some pictures when you get the new boat. By the way I have no problems getting my Oceanis 35.1 to surf, though it's pretty light on equipment.

I surely will post photos. Of course these Beneteaus surf! As long as you don't have 5,000 pounds of extra crap, and a decent set of sails.

 

[Elegua]

Anything will surf; even my megaton water-dozer will surf; except maybe Charlie. He doesn’t surf.

 

[Jim in Halifax]

Now that I've seen how you've set up your lovely Talaya....of course she won't surf! The fact you even hit 8 knots is impressive. She's been loaded up with a staggering amount of cruising paraphernalia extravaganzas. Add to having the bow thruster (with its 2 additional batteries in the front of the boat), the sadly misplaced 53 gallon forward water tank in the bow, the temple-like roof over the cockpit, and God knows what else you've added, there's just an obscene amount of extra weight on the boat. Coupled with the mast-furled main, the low-performance Elvstrom alleged sails, etc...... has morphed your performance cruiser into a bloated, sluggish galleon. Good thing you have the 40 hp engine, but no, she'll be dog under sail at all times, and in under 8 knots of TWS, forget about- you're motoring. She will be unable to sail to her actual performance potential- not even close.

Well, at least your handle is appropriate Rude Dog. I make it a point not to mock anyone's partner, their kids or their boat. I may think thoughts but I keep them to myself. However, I will call out a lout. I also may be making some sailorly chiding into something else...as you were.

 

[Jud - s/v Sputnik]

Beneteau folks arguing about Beneteaus.

Could someone give me a precise definition of the "surfing" that is being discussed.

Best “definition” might be to see how a small ULDB like an Olson 30 or Moore 24 performs?

Here’s a much bigger boat, one of the Clipper RTW race boats surfing - at 30 knots. Rapid acceleration for short bursts of high speed is how I understand it. (The Sailing Frenchman’s channel is a good one, one of the very few actually good *sailing* channels.)

 

[Tilaya]

Ahoy, Conrad!

Watched your video- quite enjoyable. Loved the music selections and seeing the places visited.

Australian registry of the boat, German subtitles, your wife speaking what sounds like a Scandinavian language, is all a bit intriguing...

Now that I've seen how you've set up your lovely Talaya....of course she won't surf! The fact you even hit 8 knots is impressive. She's been loaded up with a staggering amount of cruising paraphernalia extravaganzas. Add to having the bow thruster (with its 2 additional batteries in the front of the boat), the sadly misplaced 53 gallon forward water tank in the bow, the temple-like roof over the cockpit, and God knows what else you've added, there's just an obscene amount of extra weight on the boat. Coupled with the mast-furled main, the low-performance Elvstrom alleged sails, etc...... has morphed your performance cruiser into a bloated, sluggish galleon. Good thing you have the 40 hp engine, but no, she'll be dog under sail at all times, and in under 8 knots of TWS, forget about- you're motoring. She will be unable to sail to her actual performance potential- not even close.

But! Comfortable as hell, perfect for what you're doing, those solar panels produce lots of energy, and it's all about making it your boat, the way you want it to be. You folks look incredibly happy with her, and you're living the dream. And you've reinforce that I am super-happy with my decision to build my own Beneteau 38.1. That will- guaranteed- surf.

😄 Hi Rude Dog, great answer! As for all others, please do not hold back with your ideas. There are no obligations to follow other sailors tracks. Well, when i read RD's comments i had a big 🙂. I'm by no means offended. In my young days I sailed regatas, with reasonable success. Every point you mentioned I would have signed! Now having started my pensioners life, priorities have changed. In the MED average sailing time of life aboards might add up to less than 20%, the remainig time the boat and crew are at anchor or in the marina. We do not like clogged up marinas, hence we where looking for independence and do not want to miss the comfort.
The bow thruster is essential in thight spaces in marinas. The twin rudders are barely feeling flow from the prop wash. Turning on the spot with only 6ft room fore-aft is not the sweet spot of the 38.1
The additonal 40gal forward tank allows us to spend a week out in the bays and still have regular fresh water showers.😎.
Yours and ours concept are very different, which proofs that the 38.1 can be a boat for a wide range of usage.
BTW 8kn wind is (with our sluggish boat, addmited) 4kn speed on the instrument, having the Beneteau standard code-0 hoisted.
A diversion: summer 21, north coast Menorca, we were at anchor over boulders which came up to approx.5ft under sl. A Pogo sailed into the same spot, we yelled and signaled shallow water.
Its hard to desribe the panic when they saw the rocks well above the keel tip. Lucky they got away with some scratches.
And we had the bay again to ourselfs.
The lift the smoke on vessel/crew/language issue. Dual nationals, all nautical certificates of competences from our 2nd home country Australia, language from 1st country Switzerland.
We are probably all eager to learn about your feedback, hopefully you can step your foot soon on the deck!

 

[Rude Dog]

Anything will surf; even my megaton water-dozer will surf; except maybe Charlie. He doesn’t surf.

My thoughts exactly!