Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 - request for advice from owners

[Hazymoonshine]

Hello,

We are looking to replace our current boat with a SO43 as its combination of interior accommodation and sailing ability seems perfectly matched to our requirements. (we need three reasonably equal sized double cabins, amongst other things, and an L shaped galley, which ruled out the 40ft Beneteaus)

They are proving rather difficult to find on this side of the channel - perhaps not surprisingly, but we would really like to talk to anyone who might have or had one about how they find/found their boat.

We are based in the Solent, so would be particularly interested in south coast/Solent experiences of ownership.

With best wishes

Julian

 

[Sailfree]

Hello,

We are looking to replace our current boat with a SO43
They are proving rather difficult to find on this side of the channel - perhaps not surprisingly, but we would really like to talk to anyone who might have or had one about how they find/found their boat.

We are based in the Solent, so would be particularly interested in south coast/Solent experiences of ownership.

With best wishes

Julian

Sorry can't help with finding one as we bought ours new but as an owners I would comment :-

We have a 6yr old 43DS that is currently out of the water - winter maintenance. We charter our boat so it has been thoroughly used but well maintained. We quickly bought one of the last ones when we learnt they were stopping production and we bought the 10 berth layout for the corporate charter market.

Went for a fully battened main and stack pack, took option of 75HP engine. So far had no problems with anything major except the faults inherent in the UK distributor cutting my extras from the Jeanneau order to get Bob the Builder from round the corner to fit cheaper options. Luckily I witheld money and refused to pay the Jeanneau list price but the aftermarket UK fitted price. It took me 2 yrs and 3 liftouts to sort out the bowthruster leak - at distibutors expense. Unfortunately I suspect water damage from 1st 2 yrs contributed to its early failure last year. New one now fitted. Likewise I thought the heater was sorted after it was completely refitted by distributor but discovered that the controls were miswired at 4th year service and it could not produce 100% heating - again now corrected!

I don't think my experience it typical of all UK dealers and other makes also have their own horror stories again mostly due to our UK cottage marine industry selling dreams rather than quality.

The 43 SO is a good sailing boat but suffers slightly with the compromise being biased to internal volume instead of a sleek hull (similar compare Elan 33/40 sleek narrow lines to their 434 cruiser). I consider it a good cruising boat. I was disappointed to see the newer Jeaneau 45 as the internal layout/use of internal space is far better on the 43.

Like all makes for any given length the fittings on the 43 are good while later bigger boats often have smaller standard fitting to keep them competitive on cost.

One of the biggest disadvantages of new production boats IMHO is the outer hull being bonded to a waffle like inner hull which Beneateau was an early user but most other production makes now do it this way (including Jeaneau) to keep them cost effective. After any groundings /collisions its very difficult to determine the extent of any debonding. The 43 is traditional built with an outer hull strengthened by GRP inner ribs bonded to the hull(and visible for thorough survey). AFAIK this type of construction is only available now on older or new dearer boats like the Finngulf.

I have bought 3 new boats and have always actively looking for my next boat but have had great difficulty choosing a replacment for the 43 except to pay a lot more for an Arcona/X boat/Finngulf. My current intention is to keep the 43 and take it off charter once I have more spare time to enjoy it. Boat is still chartering well and this years is starting to appear to its most sucessful yr ever.

The 43's were popular with the charter market and stand up to heavy use well. Open every hatch and locker on modern production boats after 2 weeks display at boat shows and you will witness was most will be like after 1yr.

I have sold 2 charter boats and would not be put off providing they had been maintained properly.

All boats are a compromise and the 43 suits my requirements so well that I have difficulty considering ever changing it (3 children and 7 grandchildren plus I enjoy boys sailing weekends means the space is fully utilised)

PM me if you want to discuss further or want to exchange phone nos. Boat is Solent based.

I will have a look as I have copies of about 3 mags boat tests.

Hope this helps.

 

[Hazymoonshine]

Thank you

Sailfree,

Thank you very much indeed - it helps a lot - pm sent.

Best wishes

Julian

 

[landlockedpirate]

Nautorious of this Forum has one, and its currently for sale ( It's in Gib ). Although I do sail, my experiences of the boat are limited. Its got superb accomodation, with 3 equal sized cabins, all ensuite. Big cockpit with plenty of room to move around. Send him a PM, I'm sure he would be happy to talk to you about them.

 

[Juniperskip]

If you change your mind or can't find one I have an Elan 434 for sale, based Hamble. Can't beat the layout - great Rob Humphreys design.

 

[haydude]

Hello,
We are looking to replace our current boat with a SO43 as its combination of interior accommodation and sailing ability seems perfectly matched to our requirements. (we need three reasonably equal sized double cabins, amongst other things, and an L shaped galley, which ruled out the 40ft Beneteaus)

I saw both new and old models and I found the interior very depressing. Small chart desk, tiny saloon compared to the boat size. The newer models have laminated plastic instead of real wood interiors. Only trims around table, doors and worktops are real wood. Overall an impression of "cheap".

I cannot comment on sailing ability. I suppose it will not be worse than any similar AWB.

 

[Sailfree]

I saw both new and old models and I found the interior very depressing. Small chart desk, tiny saloon compared to the boat size. The newer models have laminated plastic instead of real wood interiors. Only trims around table, doors and worktops are real wood. Overall an impression of "cheap".

I cannot comment on sailing ability. I suppose it will not be worse than any similar AWB.

So not for you then. What 43 boat would you recommend please?

 

[Marsupial]

I ve had 2 jeanneaus both from new a 37 in 2000 and a 43 in 2003 its has proved to be a very reliable and very seaworthy boat survived a F10 in biscay with no damage and no issues we still have it and have no plans to change. Is a much heavier build than the latest offerings. send me a PM for specific information.

 

[Monique]

There are more options than Jeanneau. My second choice was a Benny 411 Celebration. Deep keel, tall rig, upgraded interior, it was what I wanted. The sellers were not very flexible with their pricing.

If you want in the 43 foot size, try the BAV 44... look for the 3 cabin version. You will be surprized how well put together they really are...

I have a BAV 46 Exclusive... old 1997... but built like the proverbial brick s*** house. Like it very much. Lloyds 100 too.

 

[Hazymoonshine]

SO 43

Thank you very much for the replies, all of which are very useful.

I have sailed the 411 Celebration and a good friend took it across the Atlantic on a solo trip. Very capable boat, but it doesn't have 3 cabins and an L shaped galley, so ruled out. Was my first favourite!

I look forward to talking to a number of very helpful 43 owners - thank you.

Best wishes

Julian

 

[Nautorius]

Nautorious of this Forum has one, and its currently for sale ( It's in Gib ). Although I do sail, my experiences of the boat are limited. Its got superb accomodation, with 3 equal sized cabins, all ensuite. Big cockpit with plenty of room to move around. Send him a PM, I'm sure he would be happy to talk to you about them.

Hi,

Mine is the Beneteau 43.3, not the Jeanneau. Would tick all boxes except has an american style Galley...and is in Gib (though is for sale)!

Got to say I love the 3 cabin, 3 head arrangement when cruising with freinds/family. That size of Yacht really copes well with the rough stuff as well.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Highland Bear]

Wot...No Wood!

I love the way people on here mutter "The new ones don't have as much wood as the old ones"

Well, the word "sustainablilty" may have passed you by but we are, as a species, being encouraged to reduce the use of rainforest types of timber, eg teak and mahogany.

Ours is a SO42DS which was commissioned last April and now lives in the Hamble. Not quite the spec you are looking for but we're verry happy with her and she sails well whilst being easy to handle for 2 of us.

I would echo the comments above regarding a UK dealer skimping on the spec relating to "factory" extras. The lesson there is to shop around the dealers and find one you feel happy to trust and buy from. Not such an issue if buying second hand, as a good survey will winkle out the faults.

 

[fireball]

I love the way people on here mutter "The new ones don't have as much wood as the old ones"

Well, the word "sustainablilty" may have passed you by but we are, as a species, being encouraged to reduce the use of rainforest types of timber, eg teak and mahogany.

You can get wood from sustainable sources - it doesn't all have to be from rain forests ...
I'll admit I don't like the newer styling - the way the veneer is stuck on the top, and then the same 'grain' stuck on the edges - contrary to the appearance of real wood .. it smacks of cheap bedroom furniture that lasts for 3 years and then disintegrates - ok, the boat stuff probably won't disintegrate, but it seems to be (to me) of that feel - which is a shame as the rest of the boat looks great.

My boat (a Bav from 2000) is made with plywood and a real wood veneer on top, it also has teak in the cockpit (we didn't buy new and I don't know the source, but knowing Bavaria it will be the cheapest source!) - all the visible edges are trimmed in strips of wood - rather than a plasticated veneer - and although it doesn't look quite the standard of the Najad/HR ilk it is (IMHO) miles ahead of this new breed of MFI look alike furniture.

Hopefully by the time I get to buy another boat I'll either have enough money to buy a 'posh' breed or the el'cheapo boat designs will have migrated on to include proper (in the visual sense) trims ...

 

[Hazymoonshine]

SO42/43

Thank you for the replies about Sun Odysseys and the 42/43. It is really helpful and let's us build a reassuring picture of a capable boat and enthusiastic owners.

Best wishes

Julian