Beneteau Evasion 22

[SaltyDan]

This forum seems to offer fantastic advice on prospective buyers of second hand yachts. I looked to find some advice before purchasing my Beneteau Evasion 22 last February, but given that few were made, found none. So after a season getting to know her, I thought I'd post a report.

She is a fantastic little cruiser (mine is the fin keel version). She is classed as a "motor-sailor", but absolutely sails very well. My experience is limited as she is my first proper boat, but I co-own her with my parents who have owned a Westerly Konsort, and co-own a 32' (British) Hunter (I don't know the model). They confirm that they find the sailing performance very good for a 22' boat, and a much more balanced helm than either the Westerly or the Hunter. She can reach 6 knots through the water in good conditions. And the 15hp engine is reassuringly powerful, making her agile in manoeuvring (reverse is a little tricky though).

The interior is also very well thought out. I am 6'4 and I can just fit comfortably in the dinette berth, and manage to sleep in the foreward berth also. I obviously can' stand up straight, but headroom is good, and many will be able to. And there is loads of locker space.

Very happy!

 

[Wansworth]

This forum seems to offer fantastic advice on prospective buyers of second hand yachts. I looked to find some advice before purchasing my Beneteau Evasion 22 last February, but given that few were made, found none. So after a season getting to know her, I thought I'd post a report.

She is a fantastic little cruiser (mine is the fin keel version). She is classed as a "motor-sailor", but absolutely sails very well. My experience is limited as she is my first proper boat, but I co-own her with my parents who have owned a Westerly Konsort, and co-own a 32' (British) Hunter (I don't know the model). They confirm that they find the sailing performance very good for a 22' boat, and a much more balanced helm than either the Westerly or the Hunter. She can reach 6 knots through the water in good conditions. And the 15hp engine is reassuringly powerful, making her agile in manoeuvring (reverse is a little tricky though).

The interior is also very well thought out. I am 6'4 and I can just fit comfortably in the dinette berth, and manage to sleep in the foreward berth also. I obviously can' stand up straight, but headroom is good, and many will be able to. And there is loads of locker space.

Very happy!

Just what I need,sounds great

 

[E39mad]

The early1980's Evasion Beneteau's were a great design, as were the Jeanneau Espace models. You don't see many in UK waters. Put some pictures up if you can - don't think I've ever come across a 22.

 

[doug748]

Thanks for the report.

I didn't know the smaller boat existed but I always thought the bigger sisters would be an ideal thing to transit the French canals on a tight budget.

.

 

[Arcady]

This forum seems to offer fantastic advice on prospective buyers of second hand yachts. I looked to find some advice before purchasing my Beneteau Evasion 22 last February, but given that few were made, found none. So after a season getting to know her, I thought I'd post a report.

She is a fantastic little cruiser (mine is the fin keel version). She is classed as a "motor-sailor", but absolutely sails very well. My experience is limited as she is my first proper boat, but I co-own her with my parents who have owned a Westerly Konsort, and co-own a 32' (British) Hunter (I don't know the model). They confirm that they find the sailing performance very good for a 22' boat, and a much more balanced helm than either the Westerly or the Hunter. She can reach 6 knots through the water in good conditions. And the 15hp engine is reassuringly powerful, making her agile in manoeuvring (reverse is a little tricky though).

The interior is also very well thought out. I am 6'4 and I can just fit comfortably in the dinette berth, and manage to sleep in the foreward berth also. I obviously can' stand up straight, but headroom is good, and many will be able to. And there is loads of locker space.

Very happy!

I considered buying that one. Instead, I ended up purchasing a sistership down in Weymouth, albeit a bilge keel version. Having previously owned a Hunter Liberty 22, I am impressed with the detailed thought that has gone into the internal layout. I have yet to sail mine, but reviews and reports such as yours are encouraging..

 

[DownWest]

EVASION 22 (BENETEAU) - sailboatdata

I can see why it is described as a motor sailer. They mention 25hp, rather than your 15hp. What engine does it have?

Still, looks a great boat for coasting. Nice find!

The French built some very good little cruisers. Local friend has Jeaneau Flirt. Don't laugh, it has a big kiss on the sail.. And I have by the barn a Kelt 6.20. Classified as 'semi offshore' the first of that size to be so. Both of them are shallow ballast keel with a centreplate.. Open plan below, but very practical. Outboard engines rather than your i/b.

 

[DownWest]

I considered buying that one. Instead, I ended up purchasing a sistership down in Weymouth, albeit a bilge keel version. Having previously owned a Hunter Liberty 22, I am impressed with the detailed thought that has gone into the internal layout. I have yet to sail mine, but reviews and reports such as yours are encouraging..

The Liberty has always interested me, how does it compare? IIRR three berths with an enclosed head

 

[DownWest]

Thanks for the report.

I didn't know the smaller boat existed but I always thought the bigger sisters would be an ideal thing to transit the French canals on a tight budget.

.

A recent article in Voiles and Voiliers featured a lot of budget boats in this size, along with a bloke that 'sailed round France' in a 21ft he bought for very little; gave an idea of what he spent for the trip.
Most of his trip was by canals with outboard power, but some was by sea. Ocasionally getting wet..
Quite interesting in the 'can do' area.

 

[Wansworth]

The French were more adventurous with grp small boats and understood curves whilst the Brit’s struggled on copying old wooden designs……particularly liked the Golif…..if there was one in Galicia

 

[Arcady]

The Liberty has always interested me, how does it compare? IIRR three berths with an enclosed head

Yes, the Liberty has 3 berths and a self contained heads compartment. However apart from the moulded bunk bases, the internal structure is just a few pieces of plywood glassed in appropriate places. It can look amateurish - indeed many were home completed from kits. The Beneteau has an extensive moulded interior incorporating many neat features. (I can’t think of many other 22 footers with an interior helm position). Externally too a lot of thought has gone into the deck moulding.

Having said that, the Liberty has some interesting points too and is a very practical trailer sailer. I enjoyed my time owning one.

 

[Arcady]

Not bad for 22’ ….