Sealine or Jeanneau Prestige?

vandy

vandy

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Folks, I am interested to know your views on these two brands?

We and my other half have saved up enough to upgrade to either a flybridge type boat, or something similar to S34 hoping that the onboard accommodation would allow us to stay on the boat more often and longer, and extend our cruising range.

I have just started looking and have seen quite a number of Jeanneaus matching our requirements and cheaper compared to Sealines.

What's your view? I understand Sealine is British built, so will that make any servicing, getting hold of parts etc. any easier compared to Jeanneau?
 
You have to decide what's important to you.

If it's design and finish, use of space, then Sealines in general will be a better match. Spares backup is good, even for the older models.

If "kg of fibreglass for your pound" is most important, then the Jeanneau will deliver. But then again, the plasticcy surfaces found in some Jeanneau's will be much more kid-resistant than the soft-touch clothy covered panels. Not sure about spares: a Jeanneau owner will be along in a mo, but they are a big company, so it shouldn't be a problem.

I would look at an Sealine F37 on shafts if you want a flybridge - it will feel a lot more planted than a flybridge with outdrives (e.g. F34). Outdrives are best suited to mid-sized sports cruisers.

S34 sports cruiser is another good option - try and avoid the KAD32 engines (nothing wrong with KAD32's, I have them, but the larger engine options will be a bit more long legged in an S34).

As to the flybridge/sports cruiser debate, that too will be along shortly.
My take on it is that flybridges are best suited to either the Med, where you need the shelter, or extended periods where you are using the boat as a floating cottage, where the extra "lounge" space kicks in.
But for the actual driving experience in reasonable weather (once you have mucked around sorting out the canvas), a sports cruiser wins, because you're not either perched high up on an exposed flybridge, or stuck inside with rubbish visibility. The typically big windcreens give you a lot of shelter, and you can see where you are going.
If it's not reasonable weather, then stay in the pub :)
 
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What's your price budget? Check my Sig. The index page is screwed up at the mo I'm working on getting a back up but the spec and pics work fine
 
Both Jeannau and Sealine are well respected builders, especially in the mid 30's to 40 feet sports, hardtop and flybridges. Both provide good spares back up as far as I know.

Really the choice is down to you. You will find a boat that really blows your socks off. When you do, go for it :D
 
Hi Vandy, I've got a Prestige 36 with Volvo D4 300's. I can't say I'm biased either way as I'm not familiar with Sealines. Send me a pm if you've got any specific Q's.
 
I have a little experience with both (Owned an S23, did some work on Jeanneau's)

Personally over-all i'd rate the finish of the Sealine better, BUT, as has been said above, the Jeanneau finish may suit others better (easier to keep clean I reckon)

A bug-bear of mine was the electric's on the Jeanneau - Hidden fuses all over the place, no dedicated circuit board with ALL electric's. 220v switches placed in the engine bay etc.

Even on the Prestige 34 I couldn't help but notice that the plumbing was awful messy. The calorifier under the sink rather than in the engine bay - doesn't make sense to me.


You'd be better off asking to compare specific models ie. Sealine S34 VS. Jeanneau Prestige 34 - Every manufacturer has their golden and flops of boats
 
We used to have a Prestige 32. Great boat for the money and did not let us down in the three years we had her. If I was buying a FB again in the 33-40 bracket and only had those two as a choice I think I would go for a Sealine as having spent some time on both the 36 and 37ft FB models, they are just that bit nicer and better finished IMO. When you are looking, consider engine access and and more importantly engine service history. On a twin diesel that is where you money is. As others have said, subject to your budget, you'll know which one seems to suit you.
 
alt said:
Personally over-all i'd rate the finish of the Sealine better, BUT, as has been said above, the Jeanneau finish may suit others better (easier to keep clean I reckon)

A bug-bear of mine was the electric's on the Jeanneau - Hidden fuses all over the place, no dedicated circuit board with ALL electric's. 220v switches placed in the engine bay etc.

Even on the Prestige 34 I couldn't help but notice that the plumbing was awful messy. The calorifier under the sink rather than in the engine bay - doesn't make sense to me.

You'd be better off asking to compare specific models ie. Sealine S34 VS. Jeanneau Prestige 34 - Every manufacturer has their golden and flops of boats
Click to expand...

As a Prestige 34 owner I have to take issue with your comment on the electrics. On my boat there are NO 240V electrics whatsoever in the engine bay. There is a bank of dedicated circuit switch boards with breakers for everything all located together in a large services locker, together with various pumps, accessible from the mid-cabin. (might have some pics if really interested). All wires are tagged and can be traced, and all cables are in trunking where practicable and where not all are tied away neatly. I think it's a very neat installation, and miles ahead of both my previous Hardy and Sealine.

I don't understand why the calorifier is under the sink, that is bizarre and annoying, bit otherwise the plumbing is fine.

As to finish, it's not going to worry a Fairline or Sunseeker, but IMO, at least on my boat, it's perfectly pleasant. Plenty of cherry wood on mine and very little bare grp in the cabin. We have young kids, so that suit me fine. Use of space is also excellent - those flared bows allow accomodation to be carried well forward.

Having said all that, the build of each Jeanneau model does seem to vary in its execution, and a direct comparison of S34 Vs Prestige 34 or whatever is a good idea. (I did this and picked the Jeanneau as it was superior for us where it mattered, and provided a virtually non-negotiable HT option).
 
AdeOlly said:
As a Prestige 34 owner I have to take issue with your comment on the electrics. On my boat there are NO 240V electrics whatsoever in the engine bay. There is a bank of dedicated circuit switch boards with breakers for everything all located together in a large services locker, together with various pumps, accessible from the mid-cabin. (might have some pics if really interested). All wires are tagged and can be traced, and all cables are in trunking where practicable and where not all are tied away neatly. I think it's a very neat installation, and miles ahead of both my previous Hardy and Sealine.

I don't understand why the calorifier is under the sink, that is bizarre and annoying, bit otherwise the plumbing is fine.

As to finish, it's not going to worry a Fairline or Sunseeker, but IMO, at least on my boat, it's perfectly pleasant. Plenty of cherry wood on mine and very little bare grp in the cabin. We have young kids, so that suit me fine. Use of space is also excellent - those flared bows allow accomodation to be carried well forward.

Having said all that, the build of each Jeanneau model does seem to vary in its execution, and a direct comparison of S34 Vs Prestige 34 or whatever is a good idea. (I did this and picked the Jeanneau as it was superior for us where it mattered, and provided a virtually non-negotiable HT option).
Click to expand...


I never claimed the electrics on the P34 weren't up to scratch, so you'll have to take your 'issue' elsewhere :) Hence why I advised the OP to compare particular models, rather than brands in general. For example, the 240v panel on the Jeanneau Leader 805 is in the engine bay, but not on the P34 as you mention above.

Indeed, I do remember an electrics panel at the foot of the mid-ships cabin on the P34 - still a pain in the bum (literally, as I have a bad back). I just don't understand why boat builders won't but electric panels in easy to reach places, easily visible to the eye. But maybe that's just me, i'm an electrics/electronics nerd... maybe others find a 12/240v panel an eye-sore

The plumbing, in fairness in the P34 I didn't inspect too much. But when I looked under the locker of the heads sink (which you'd think could be used for storing things), I was faced with pipes/pumps - just a total eye-sore to me!

Another small gripe of mine with the P34 was having to lift the cockpit cushions to open the engine hatch. My concern here is that owners would get lazy and skip over the periodic oil/fluid checks on the engines because its a 'hassle' to lift the cushions.


Maybe i'm just being picky so don't take it personally. I know people who slate Sealine (and did to my face, when I owned one!)

It took me a long time to find the 'perfect' boat (which was a Cranchi Zaffiro 34) - it suited me perfectly, but i'm sure people have their gripes about that boat too. Now that i've found the 100% perfect boat for me, plus a few ft.... I've had to put her up for sale as the GF wants to go travelling :(
 
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Sealien or Jeanneau!? Why not Fairline Targa? IMO in the same price bracket and MUCH better designed and spacious compared to both Sealine and Jeanneau.

If your budget is below say £70-80k then I believe you are limited to a few good Jeanneaus as haven't seen that many of them. But if you can spend £100k+ then it's a different story!

In all twin screw vessels, engine is the one you should be paying so much attention to it, and be checked for service history, etc.... I suppose they will also use some form of Volvo KAD"something" so if you are lucky enough to know a good volvo mechanic who is happy to check the engines I would pay him three-four times of his hourly rate for that inspection as it can save you ££££££ in longer term... Somebody recently here managed to knock down around £10k of a boat just because of some engine problems which were not known to the seller until was inspected...

Not sure why those engines on many industial machinaries last for years without any problem, but on boats with less than 200hrs they start causing problem!!!!
 
Sealine or Jenneau

Hi Vandy,

I have experienced both brands and am very familiar with the Sealine S34.

The Sealine is a great Sea Boat with superb accomodation for short or extensive journeys.
Superb perfoming hull and great visibility from the Helm. Some other brands do suffer from helming visibility where you need to stand up to helm, but on the S34 you have a superb visibility ahead of you when on the plane.

The S34 is also renowned for innovative storage spaces that are lined inside with gel coated grp mouldings and not just rough grp.

Access to engines and location of switches, breakers should you need to are centrally located.
Extensive range of parts are still available.
Residual values are quite stable so you are not going to loose bucket loads of money.

In fact I just sold a guy a new boat and he part exchanged his S34 which flew out of the door which shows demand for the model is there.

Anyhow, I have found you an S34 2005/06 model without Kad 32s that is available.
You will need to speak to Ben @ Sealine South Coast about this boat as he has it listed and the boat is on the South Coast. Its a well spec'd boat.
 
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alt said:
I never claimed the electrics on the P34 weren't up to scratch, so you'll have to take your 'issue' elsewhere :) Hence why I advised the OP to compare particular models, rather than brands in general. For example, the 240v panel on the Jeanneau Leader 805 is in the engine bay, but not on the P34 as you mention above.

Indeed, I do remember an electrics panel at the foot of the mid-ships cabin on the P34 - still a pain in the bum (literally, as I have a bad back). I just don't understand why boat builders won't but electric panels in easy to reach places, easily visible to the eye. But maybe that's just me, i'm an electrics/electronics nerd... maybe others find a 12/240v panel an eye-sore

The plumbing, in fairness in the P34 I didn't inspect too much. But when I looked under the locker of the heads sink (which you'd think could be used for storing things), I was faced with pipes/pumps - just a total eye-sore to me!

Another small gripe of mine with the P34 was having to lift the cockpit cushions to open the engine hatch. My concern here is that owners would get lazy and skip over the periodic oil/fluid checks on the engines because its a 'hassle' to lift the cushions.


Maybe i'm just being picky so don't take it personally. I know people who slate Sealine (and did to my face, when I owned one!)

It took me a long time to find the 'perfect' boat (which was a Cranchi Zaffiro 34) - it suited me perfectly, but i'm sure people have their gripes about that boat too. Now that i've found the 100% perfect boat for me, plus a few ft.... I've had to put her up for sale as the GF wants to go travelling :(
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No worries - nothing taken personally; just wanted to present a balanced picture :) Not sure why there were wires hanging in the under sink locker, there aren't in mine:confused: Every boat I've owned has needed cushions moving to open the engine hatch; would be nice if not necessary.

In truth there are so many differing aspects to each boat it's impossible to generalise. I'm very pleased with our P34 and it suits us perfectly, for now anyway.
 
S28 doesn't need cushions moving to open the hatch :)
(almost true : it won't open fully with the rearmost one in place, but you can get access if you haven't eaten too much Xmas pud).
 
FlowerPower said:
S28 doesn't need cushions moving to open the hatch :)
(almost true : it won't open fully with the rearmost one in place, but you can get access if you haven't eaten too much Xmas pud).
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It's only a small thing if you never look down there, but on both Cranchi's i've owned, you don't have to remove any cushions at all to get to the engines.... you just lift the hatch.

On the Smeraldo 37 however, it is possible to remove the rear of the seating area in the cockpit by loosening 2 screws. This gives you full access to both engines should you ever need to remove them. This means nothing if you never need to remove the engines, but it's peace of mind knowing that if the worst ever happened, you don't need to take an angle grinder to the gelcoat
 
My Bavaria could fully open it's engine hatch with all furniture and cushions in place.

Bit off topic though.

With regard to sealine/prestige I think they pretty much of a muchness. So much so I'd buy on individual spec/condition than brand.

For example, I'd rather have a 2006 prestige 36 with later engines over a 2001 F37 if the price were the same for example.
 
Newsailer said:
Having owned both I would disagree with this statement. IMHO one is actually better put together than the other but I won't say which one for fear of upsetting half the contributers to this thread :D
Click to expand...

Not much help to the OP is it.

You'll not upset me though - I already know Prestiges are Princesses for the punily pursed. Floating Renaults if you will. How very dare me.
 
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