Beneteau 361?

[colind3782]

A friend has asked me to look over a Bennie 361 Oceanis that he may be interested in. Anyone know of any particular issues with this model I should check for?

This is not a survey, just a quick look over.

 

[davidej]

The only problem we have had with our 2001 model is that the copper(brass? bronze?) bottom rudder bearing collar became detached from the hull.

A bit of work to fix -dropping rudder over last winter, but the cost was 10p worth of epoxy.

 

[wully1]

Dunno a thing about them except they are a good looking boat.

IMHO.

 

[rwoofer]

I only ever chartered one and found them to be surprisingly good sailing boats. Just wish the berths were bigger.

 

[jerrytug]

We delivered a slightly foxed example all the way to Sweden but never managed to break anything, so can't comment!
Definitely a nice sailer, for that type of boat.

 

[colind3782]

Thanks all

 

[haydude]

I would look at the keel since recently Beneteaus seem to have a tendency to loose them.

 

[Robin]

I would look at the keel since recently Beneteaus seem to have a tendency to loose them.

:disgust:

 

[cmedsailor]

I own one since Nov. 2007.
Particular issues? One I can think of is a little fitting (nipple) just behind the volvo seal where the shaft enters into the boat that it's possible to break it if you are not careful (I did; luckily the boat was out of the water) and there's no way to stop the water coming into the water. It's a little stupid thing that can be fatal. HOWEVER, I don't want to scare you. It has a hose connected to it and only if you start moving and pulling it careless could break the bronze fitting (if it's corroded). By the way, this is something that many other models have it too. It's not specifically made only for the Beneteau 361.
Other issues. Probably the relatively small fuel tank (75lt) in comparison to many other similar boats. Of course consumption at cruising speed is 2-2,5lt/hr so depending how long you are planning to use the engine could not be an issue. A last issue is the fact that the bow tends to slam if you are going the wrong way (towards waves)! Another characteristic of many similar boats due to hull design.
On the plus side: It sails quite well, even with in mast main sail. It evens sails upwind quite well but that's probably because I own the deep keel (1.80m) version. I have used it in winds up to around 30 knots with 2-3 meters of waves and even in these conditions it sails good. If you reef quite a lot the boat is easy to balance. Plus it doesn't like big angles. It's much faster at 15 degrees rather than 25 anyway!
The cockpit is quite large, space and internal height is relatively good for a 36 ft boat (even for a 1.88m tall guy like me), the heads is EXCELLENT with separate shower place and the overall quality of the boat is good.

PS: Oh, forgot to mention that the keel is still in its place...

 

[Skylark]

I would look at the keel since recently Beneteaus seem to have a tendency to loose them.

What a stupid, insensitive, incorrect and inappropriate comment.


I had a 361 for 7 years and enjoyed every moment of it. Other than routine maintenance, absolutely no issues. Lovely boat.

 

[30boat]

Dunno a thing about them except they are a good looking boat.

IMHO.

Funny how looks can be relative .I've always found them incredibly dull.

 

[jerrytug]

Funny how looks can be relative .I've always found them incredibly dull.

Is that compared to a Fulmar

 

[wully1]

Funny how looks can be relative.

That boats a lot better looking than any of my relatives...

 

[30boat]

Is that compared to a Fulmar

Even the Fulmar looks better.It's no beauty I know...

 

[jerrytug]

Even the Fulmar looks better.It's no beauty I know...

Fulmar certainly got more character.

 

[30boat]

Fulmar certainly got more character.

That definitely!

 

[haydude]

I had a 361 for 7 years and enjoyed every moment of it. Other than routine maintenance, absolutely no issues. Lovely boat.

Are you sure she still has a keel?