Jeanneau 32.2 vs Beneteau 311

[colingray3]

I'm narrowed down to one or other of the above as my new (second hand) boat. Assuming extras and age are equivalent anyone any views on which is better?
She would be sailed mainly in Strangford Lough (deep and shallow), east coast of Ireland & west of Scotland with a non-sailingish wife, a 5 year old and a 3 year old - so short handed and short hops and perhaps more than occasional singlehanded.

 

[BAtoo]

Have you considered the "racing" versions of these 2 boats - the Sunfast & First ranges?? IMHO they will sail better the the cruiser types; be very similar below but much better topsides - better/more gear, better sailing ability especially in light airs as usually larger sail area (you can always reef earlier); better control of the sails; may have greater choice of sails (spares), probably stiffer too which non-sailingish wife might prefer.

But to nswer your question...on the whole wouldnt think there is much to choose between them tho' I think Jeanneau use same hull for its SO & SF ranges and vary the rig/keel whilst the Bene uses different hulls for First/Oceanis ranges - I would always expect a "racing" hull to sail better than one designed for cruising........

 

[paulrae]

We've had the 32.2 since April this year and are generally very happy with it.

I sail her alone from time to time with no real difficulties. Reefing early is a must, but the single-line system led back to the cockpit make it straightforward.

The accommodation below is very compfortable, and the large double cabin aft is very roomy.

Unfortunately I haven't sailed the Benny, so can't compare the two directly, I can only report that we're quite satisfied with the 32.2.

If there's anything specific that you'd like to know pm me.

Cheers

Paul

 

[colingray3]

Were it for me alone the racing versions would certainly be on the "to look at" list. What puts me off the racing versions slightly is the fact the traveller runs across the cockpit. Great for releasing the main in a hurry when singlehanded or for tweaking sail setting when racing but otherwise I think likely to be an impediment for a cruising family; not to mention the risk of damage to little ones if non sailingish wife accidentally gybes when I'm below having a pee, etc, etc (or I do the same when admiring passing racing fleet instead of concentrating!!). Granted not a huge risk with forethought and planning but .....!

 

[SnaxMuppet]

We bought our Jeanneau 32.2 this year after a lot of research and we too shortlisted just the Jeanneau 32.2 and the Oceanis 311.

They look very similar boats and as they are made by the same company that isn't too much of a surprise.

We decided on the Jeanneau and we are very happy so far. We have sailed her from Plymouth to the Solent for a 3 week trip and found her to be quite good when sailing upwind but lacks speed on anything downwind. Having said that it is nothing we are concerned about.

I sail singlehanded sometimes and it is very easy except that I need to install a quick release cleat to the main sheet as we only have the spinlock lever locks at the moment and I can not easily adjust the main sheet from behind the wheel.

We did put on a spring kicker to help with reefing from the cockpit (especially when singlehanding) and it has helped hugely.

We also looked at the newer 32 and 32i but much preferred the internal and deck layout of the 32.2 (galley and nav station is different, winches are placed differently etc). Ours is a 2001.

 

[colingray3]

Arny Thanks for your post.
Any particular reason why you went for the Jen as opposed to the Ben or was it a matter of the boat that came on the market with the right gear at the right time?
I am also curious as to whether there is any significant difference in build or fit out quality between the two marques.

 

[Marsupial]

Hi

yes there is imho a considerable advantage to the Jeanneau method of contruction, it should make a much stronger hull - BUT I have to admit that you dont see lots of Beneys in pieces!

 

[SnaxMuppet]

To be honest we felt that there wasn't much between them on paper and a Jeanneau was found locally at a good price. I think we would have bought a 311 if one had come up first.