lift keel benny, jeanny feedback

[Birdseye]

asked the same question on pbo, but in the hope that there might be further views here - I would appreciate some feedback on these boats (round the 30 / 35ft mark) from owners who have had them for a year or 2. Do they sail well? Are they OK on drying moorings as opposed to the occasional drying out? Are they tippy? Is the keel system easy and quiet - no banging in a slop? In reality, are they offshore boats or coastal cruisers? Would you take one across Biscay?

 

[Greenwichman]

My lift-keel Beany 285 is a great boat. The keel works well and there is no banging in a slop.

It is feasible and safe to dry the boat out on the keel and twin rudders if you are sure that the seabed is firm, level and predictable. Personally, I would not advocate a regular drying mooring for this keel configuration as any uneveness of the seabed would risk a topple and there is also a likelihood of getting stones etc wedged up the keel-box.

As for stability and seaworthiness, I have taken my Beany all over the place and would have no qualms tackling Biscay either, but the usual rules apply - stick within the limits of the crew and - if going well offshore - equip and prepare accordingly.

Most boats will stand more than their crew and more boats are stranded on coastlines than are lost offshore.

 

[43647]

Before you commit to these two builders take a look at Parker Yachts.
They build three models - 235,285 and 335 all of them designed for lift keel operation. I have a 335 and owned a 285 before this,both sail well and 'take the ground' perfectly.

 

[Birdseye]

Interested in your comment about the Parkers. Have previously dismissed these boats as too racy and lightweight. We are an ageing family crew, and I dont get braver as I get older.

Would the 335 behave "like a big dinghy"? Or could one leave the tiller for a few minutes etc?

 

[bonny]

Benny 331 has a wheel and it stays where you leave it. When sailing approx 45 deg apparent wind you can set the wheel with about 1/8th turn weather helm and the boat sails itself. Sailed about 2 hours like this in 20-25 kts apparent wind last July.

 

[T_S]

Crewed on a Seal 28, on our final crossing to Dover had SW winds gusting to F8, the boat took things well although we opted to run for shelter in Calais. Nothing wrong with lifting keels! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Dave

 

[aussie_chris2005]

I know this is slighlty off subject because I'm not familiar with the "benny" in my part of the wold. However... I sail an RL28 with a lifting keel which is magic around shifting sandbanks and the odd bit of coastal cruising. I've sailed her in anything up gusts of 40knots, but i cant say it was good for the bowels!
If i was going to do serious sailing across aceans i would want some serious weight below the waterline..... and i would want to know it'll remain on the bottom of the boat should I do a 360.
Its horses for courses mate!...... if you intend to cross biscay and places like it..... get yourself a fixed keeboat.
I'm speaking genrally here..... the Benny is probobly a first class boat, and i mean no offence to owners.

Chris.

 

[paulskent]

Have bought a lift keel Beneteau 331 in the last 3 months. Apart from a couple of test sails in very windy conditions, I have not had much chance to test all the points of sail yet. However there is definitely no looseness or banging in the keel mechanism. PM me if you want more info..

 

[T_S]

I suppose its all down to what you feel comfortable with......after all there has been cross Atlantic races with 21 foot boats that had lifting keels!

Nope nothing wrong with this design in fact they are bloody good boats, its all down to the people that sail them.....any boat can be rolled by a wave that exceeds her beam if the vessel is sailed either by people whom lack experience or just had plain bad luck!

 

[danera]

Interestingly, article on the designers website (http://www.finot.com/bateaux/batproduction/beneteau/oceanis311/art_ben.jpg) states that the lifting keel version of the Beneteau 311 has a higher stability (122deg) than the fixed version (118) or First 310 (112 - same hull)

 

[T_S]

A good point Ivan....I've been sailing some pretty rough sea's in a lifting keel boat and I have to admit she took on the swell with no problems (Mind you though we did get a bit wet!). I would go as far to say that lifting keelers would probably too have a bit more cast ballast to the hull than a fixed keel for sailing with the keel raised.

Dave