From those angles, she looks ready to challenge all comers, with a nearly plumb bow, reverse transom, and a hint of swoop to her sheer. The view in the photo above, from leeward when she’s under sail, shows her slightly heeled over, with the waterline under. Though the 323’s appearance follows that more modern aesthetic, her appearance depends upon your point of view-literally. The boarding and swim platforms that initially took hold in Europe are now de rigeur here. The next generation had more traditional profiles, though plumb bows and reverse transoms became the norm. When Beneteau boats first appeared on the US scene about 20 years ago, they were distinguished by rounder, more radiused shapes than traditional American boats, and hulls and decks were accented by black portlights, some molded into the topsides- a bold step in those days. Since its introduction only a few months ago, more than 35 have been ordered and delivery dates are now scheduled five months in the future.
This new Beneteau model seems to be favorably priced to appeal to these groups. These groups are all looking for mid-sized boats with big-boat amenities however, purchase decisions in this size of boat are greatly affected by a boat’s sticker price. Among them are people new to the sport, those moving up from smaller boats, those moving down from bigger boats, and empty nesters who may not want to bring crew aboard to handle the chores, and who are content to sail alone or shorthanded. Beneteau 323 on the waterĪ logical question, then, is: Why so many models? And, why another 33- footer?Īnswer: the US market is a moving target, composed of several elements, or groups.
#Beneteau oceanis 320 review full#
Though performance is the primary criterion in the First line, those models also provide a full galley, dining area, and enclosed sleeping quarters. Beneteau’s First line, targeted to the performance sailor, includes boats drawn by the likes of Farr and Associates. In general, the Beneteau brand appeals to the mainstream market, offering boats designed by Groupe Finot, for use by casual cruisers. The company manufacturers monohulls and multihulls ranging in size from 23 to 57 feet, and recently introduced a trawler to the US market. The Companyīeneteau is the largest sailboat builder in the world. During our test sail we learned that she’s quick, and a bit tender. The new 323 couples good overall performance with a spacious cockpit and living accommodations suitable for four. It replaces the aging 311, which was only moderately successful in the US market. Beneteau recently added three new models to its line-up, including this 323 (which is actually closer to 33 feet LOA).
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