Any good?

[alanch]

Yes ok, I have lurked long enough. Lets discuss this.

Brand new Beneteau 49 GT launched today at Shepperton marina. Desirable or not?

 

[mlines]

Hmm

South of France, bikini girls on front, twin 435HP engines at full chat - yes, very nice

River Thames, 49ft with 4.3 metre air draft, hmm

 

[alanch]

Looks like your photo is of the 38 not the 49, but it's much the same looking. I agree SOF great, Solent good, Thames Estuary ok, but non tidal Thames? I wonder where they are going to park it.

 

[alanch]

In addition to the Beneteau 49 arriving, the new Princess 39 boat showrooms had for sale has gone. Someone's spending their bonus!

 

[Actionmat]

I wonder where they are going to park it.

Clearance is the issue, as far as length goes it seems ridiculous that a whopping great boat like that will take up considerably less mooring space than a Narrowboat.

 

[Chill]

would think the IPS drives could be an issue and could end up with some big bills if you hit the bottom, Just had to replace both my props at too damaged to repair.

 

[oldgit]

Looking at the specs it draws 4ft.Those IPS legs need another 3ft with the skegs.
Need to be very careful indeed !

 

[rosssavage]

Draft of 7' ain't going too many places up here then! I draw 3'6" and that really is the limit on the upper Thames...

I have five props - two port and three stbd (don't ask..) and they get routinely swapped and repaired up here. Think my best was three swaps in one season!

 

[Chris_d]

Looking at the specs it draws 4ft.Those IPS legs need another 3ft with the skegs.
Need to be very careful indeed !

That will be 4ft to the bottom of the legs surely?

 

[No Regrets]

Plenty of our Club members with just 3' draft (And plenty of experience!) are regularly clipping props as the Thames is both variable in depth from one day to another (Or overnight if you're unlucky, leaving you bottomed out!)

Choosing a boat that size with a 4' draft is not going to be enjoyable, your mooring choices will be extremely limited both due to size and draft, and there are frankly better boats for the purpose. All Shaft drive...

 

[bumperdump]

Buy the boat get through hambleden lock, pull up at the folley. Then give it full throttle all the way to marsh lock.
Make sure the Festival is on.:encouragement:

 

[ChrisHanley]

I think I prefer the fuel bill of the "other" boat though