Beneteau Oceanis 411

Phoenix of Hamble

Phoenix of Hamble

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 Aug 2003
Messages
20,966
Location
East Coast
mishapsandmemories.blogspot.com
Of the many boats i've been looking at over the last 24hrs, one that has caught my eye is an Oceanis 411...

Internet research reveals little useful info, other than pretty pictures...

Before I go the effort and expense of arranging a viewing, has anyone got any observations on these boats based on experience as opposed to opinions?
 
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
Yep, catamarans are better for cruising.
 
Lovely beamy boat. Massive internal living space when laid out in a private spec as opposed to charter spec (ie packed with berths).
 
I've spent a month sailing a 411 and also six weeks or more sailing the nearest equivalent Jeanneau 40 (can't remember the model but twin wheels). They are both of typical modern caravan-type (I'm not knocking it) with lots of space, probably more in the Beneteau. The difference I found was that the Jeanneau went best up wind and the Beneteau went best off wind. Probably due to different transom shapes and keel depths.

I assume you're buying it for UK sailing where you get a mix of winds, in which case I'd also look at the Jeanneau. For downwind sailing it would have to be the Beneteau. I found that offwind in 25 knots the Beneteau was quite a handful to steer (in fact her indoors couldn't handle it) but she will surf - got fourteen point something knots out of her.
 
Have skippered one for the last two years.

Advantages.
Room. Lots of it in forecabin and main living area. Aft cabins are a bit tight.
Great family boat. All ropes lead back to cockpit. My kids now 11 and 14 have really enjoyed it.
Electric winch makes setting the main very easy.
The windless makes anchoring a breeze.
No issue with electrics etc. and easy to use.

Disadvantages.
It has a folding prop, and therefore in reverse is a pig.
A bow truster would be really useful.
The scarest times have all been in the close confines of the marina.
Be sure not to be overcanvased, without good crew, otherwise it can be a handful.

What went wrong.
The gearbox shattered and long after delivery. Phew aged a bit that day.
A blue hull can shows scratches.


It looks like the owner is about to put it on the market, and I will really miss it. Must keep buying the lotto tickets.
 
Had one from The Moorings in the BVIs for a fortnight. It was my first time as a skipper and with a novice crew so I was initially concerned about managing a boat that size. I needn't have worried - it was an easy boat to handle, predictable behaviour and excellent accomodation. Of all the mostly AWBs I've been on it has to be one of the best. I think they look great too - but Beneteaus always seem to look more like proper yachts than caravans!
 
You're not realy thinking about an AWB are you?
[ QUOTE ]
Be sure not to be overcanvased, without good crew, otherwise it can be a handful.

[/ QUOTE ]
Is this code for "broaches without warning in the gusts"?
 
Have chartered a couple of them - they generally handle very nice and predictable und der sail and engine (have done some teaching on them too). Interior is big and nice, but sailing performance is average, esp. upwind and light winds are not its speciality. For light wind conditions a chute of some kind is necessary.
Having crossed in one from Oostende to Ramsgate in fairly rough conditions, she handled well.
 
I have owned one for the past 4 seasons and plan to keep her for the foreseeable future.

Great boat with loads of space. Reef down early, she likes sailing near upright. She does not broach readily when overpowered. She is very quick, even sailing upwind in lighter airs but the 150% genny means poor tacking angles in stronger winds.

Folding 3 blade Flex 0 Fold prop makes a great difference. Big foredeck means you can stow a 3 metre dinghy and still walk round it to get at cleats, anchor well etc. I love the big bathing platform and walk-though transom. Best dinghy access/MOB recovery ever on any boat I have seen. Ginormous cockpit, great for parties, the fixed folding table is good for bracing and only slightly gets in the way when sailing, Huge fridge – watch the lid if it is the straight spring support, useful binnacle, lousy access to engine water sea cocks, good water tank size – 500 litres, 35 gallon fuel tank OKish but could be bigger, loads of cockpit locker space, even of the 3 sleeping cabin version, space for generator under gas locker.

56hp Yanmar gives 6.1 at 2,000, 7.3 at 2,500 - 1gph, 8.4 at 3,000 - 2 gph and 9+ at 3,500 (emergency only)

I do a lot of club sailing with Maxis, Contests, Halbergs, Oysters etc and other AWB’s as well. She holds her own well. £ for £, a good benny 411 is well worth owning.

No UK yacht mag has ever reviewed a Benny 411. Seeing how many were sold, I sometimes wonder why.
 
Good boat but look at the build with an inner skin forming the strengthing. I prefer a more conventional build of ribs and stringers to strengthen the hull but Benneteau sell many boats so it must be OK but I suspect the inner lining is chosen for economics rather than its the best way.
 
[ QUOTE ]
MAB - mankey old boat

[/ QUOTE ]


mankey auld boat surely /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top