Beneteau Oceansi 361 vs Bavaria 37

[cmedsailor]

2002 Beneteau Oceanis 361 vs 2001 Bavaria 37 (the year is there just to indicate models).

Yes I know they are not the best boats around, or the faster, or the best quality etc, etc but are quite similar (in size) and would like a comparison between the two please.

Thanks

 

[Ludd]

2002 Beneteau Oceanis 361 vs 2001 Bavaria 37 (the year is there just to indicate models).

Yes I know they are not the best boats around, or the faster, or the best quality etc, etc but are quite similar (in size) and would like a comparison between the two please.

Thanks

Beneteau owners will tell you they're wonderful.
Bavaria owners will tell you THEY're wonderful.

LOADS of other people who own neither will tell you that the only good boat is the one THE've got( mine is the ultimate boat,for example)

NO-ONE will give you an objective opinion,even the testers---advertisers rule,ok?

 

[Tranona]

Did the comparison when they were new (or more probably it was a 351) and bought a Bavaria 37. Usual combination of reasons, but chiefly because I was buying through a charter management scheme and the deal for the Bavaria was much better.

On the boat to boat bit, I had previous experience of both brands although not the same size (a 323 and a 42) and the Bavaria won hands down on most aspects of construction, layout and finish. Not possible to compare sailing performance for obvious reasons, but as not high on the list of priorities happy with "adequate". However, performance under power was very different - Benny poor in reverse (and the engine almost impossible to get at to sevice).

Have no regrets buying the Bavaria - it still gives pleasure. Charter operators of both brands don't complain and it is difficult to find any area where one is superior to the other. On the specific model issue, the 361 does I think have a larger toilet compartment, better laid out galley, more lounging space in the saloon but a smaller forecabin and poor chart table. The Bavaria looks better with a more attractive sheerline and transom shape - but that is subjective.

Second hand prices suggest the Bavaria is a bit cheaper - but that was the case when they were new. So overall not a lot of difference.

 

[fireball]

How about a better view than the one above ...

The Bav 37 is what we've got - a 2000 build shoal keel, 2 cabin, U galley.
I can't tell you how it compares to the Benny - cos I've not got one or had one or tried one.

I found some pictures of the Ben - so can do an immeadiate comparison - but it is just visual:
The Bav has forward facing chart table and the Ben looks like it has aft facing (but at least it is seperate and not on the end the saloon berth
The Bav has U saloon berth - the Ben is more a C (more open). Not sure the Bav could be used as additional sleeping - odd night would be ok.

Going up on deck - Cockpits look very similar - nothing between them really. Sugarscoop - the boarding ladder on the Bav is central and folds up underneath a folddown seat - the Ben is offset and the seat slides down.

From a practicle point of view - Bavs main sleeping cabin are the forpeak one - this is very comfortable and offers standing room - this was a major consideration as we usually sail with 4 adults onboard - so good accom was required!

Of course, Bavs are far superior boats to Bens ... that's why they come before them ... in the alfabet!!

 

[fireball]

Ok - so that's two responses from Bav37s ... where are the Bennies???

 

[free1]

2002 Beneteau Oceanis 361 vs 2001 Bavaria 37 (the year is there just to indicate models).

Yes I know they are not the best boats around, or the faster, or the best quality etc, etc but are quite similar (in size) and would like a comparison between the two please.

Thanks

Hello
I have looked at your past posts and it seems as if you already own a Beneteau 361
Why did you not ask, only of the Bavaria37

ime free1

 

[Heckler]

2002 Beneteau Oceanis 361 vs 2001 Bavaria 37 (the year is there just to indicate models).

Yes I know they are not the best boats around, or the faster, or the best quality etc, etc but are quite similar (in size) and would like a comparison between the two please.

Thanks

My first skippering was on a flotilla 361, brand new, she was gorgeous! I then bought a 351 now own a 381. They all sail great, solid, excellent build quality, engines easy to get to on the twin aft cabin ones, I love Benes, much as Tranona loves his Bavs so if it was me id buy the Bene! We trawled the brokers and boat shows in the early 2000s and found the Bavs to have thinner locker covers than the Bene, believe me, SWMB measured them all!!
Stu

 

[Skylark]

I own a 361 so I'm exceptionally biased.

Below deck, mine has the blue and white deck-chair upholstery and she's in as-new condition, albeit granted she's had light use. My point is that she has worn well and shows no sign of her age.

I have an automotive engineering background so huge development costs spread over high production numbers spells for me a well sorted, value for money proposition.

For what I want out of my sailing, she fits like a glove.

Can't say I'm as keen on the current generation of Beneteau.

I looked at a few Bavs but the Beneteau range had the edge, IMHO.

As free1 has already said, I thought you had the 361, not thinking of jumping ship, are you

 

[cmedsailor]

No, I am not thinking of jumping ship and yes I do own a Beneteau Oceanis 361 (and absolutely love it). I just wanted to do a comparison mainly on the build quality of the two because I was between the two models.
But anyway it's true, you usually like what you have and cannot make an objective comparison (and have never regreted my selection).....
....but I really like that Hallberg Rassy in the marina (that probably costs 3 times my boat)!!!