Trying to compare Jeanneau 54DS & Beneteau 57

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by zamibc, Oct 9, 2004.

  1. aitchem
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    aitchem Junior Member

  2. Vega
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    Vega Senior Member

    I don't know if this helps, but I have met a French guy that had bought one, the one that was exhibited on the Paris boat show.

    I have shared a table with him at the restaurant, we talked about boats and it was an agreeable conversation because he was a very experienced sailor (had circumnavigated 3 times) and knew a lot about boats. He talked about French boats and he knew details about the building of a lot of them and I can tell you that he had done a lot of research. He told me that the jeanneau was the strongest (the underwater hull). After eating he insisted on showing me and my wife his new boat, and I have to say I was impressed. The quality of build is far better than on the smaller models.

    I was even more impressed with the Guy. He is going to sail the boat alone. He said to me that he is used to it, his wife joins him on the different cruising grounds. The only thing I was not completely convinced was with the roller furling mast with a sail with battens. He said he had tried to put the sail down, as if the system had jammed and that the only thing he had to do was to take the first batten out.

    It seems a little complicated for me, if that operation is made under a lot of wind and heavy seas. I think that a good furler boom is a better way of furling the main sail, preserving safety, even if the system jams.
     
  3. tammy
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    tammy New Member

    My husband and I have just put a deposit on a Jeanneau 54ds. After reading your comments on your new B57 we are wondering if we should consider the 57, there is a 1 year old in our harbor for sale...however the list price is 1,000,000...significanly more than the 54 all in. You said that you had a million left over which lead me to believe that you have 6 or 700k in you 57.
     
  4. tammy
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    tammy New Member

    I wish the 54ds did not come with the in mast furling system it is not my first choice. we currently have in-boom with a fully battened sail and we love it, easy to use and very good sail shape we have never had any trouble.
     
  5. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    THe Jenneaue 54 is a great boat. I particualerly like it with the owners cabin forward as that gets around its one issue for me ( at over six feet tall) which is the head room in the aft stateroom.

    The Boats are in the same general price range. I have priced out the Jenneau. As will all the French boats, it is hard to compare because of the long options list. Similarly spec'd out, the B57 should be about $100,000. more than a Jenneau 54.

    The B 57 has had several price increases since I bought mine. There is also a pretty long wait to get one. If ordered now, It is hard to imganine making any part of the 07 season. You are really talking about 08.

    Both boats are, in my opinion underpriced, considering there is really no competition over 50 feet.

    In my opinion, subject to seeing what is on the B57 you are looking at, a price in the high 800,000 is probably very competitive. Then again, if you want a new one, it is probably going to be about 900,000 (more price increases coming with the ongoing weak dollar and high demand.) and miss this year at best.

    Sail away, the Jenneau might be about 800 and the B 57 about 900 boat to boat new for new.

    It is an odd feature of large boats, that because of the long lead time, a recent "used" boat could go for a premium over a brand new boat. This reflects two elements. First, there is the 18 month wait. second, there is sail away, as the dealers use the term, and then there is ready to actually use.

    For example on my B 57, The complete dealer price included, shipping, duty, electronics, ac, washer dryer, shoal draft, pedalstal steering, power winches and furling.

    But it did not include, sails, ground tackle, EPIRB, life raft, Groung tackle, varnishing the toe rails, bottom paint, waxing, jack lines, safety harnesses, dock lines, fenders, dingy, out board, dodger, name logo, bimini, chain,thowable pfd's, flat screen TV ( 5 are on board), carpeting, art work, design work, etc.

    This is a huge invetment in time and money (120 emails to the poor guy at Defender for stuff and almost 1,000 emails to the dealer on commissioning and sea trials.)

    So in fariness to the guy who wants $1,000,000 for his, the boat should be seen and considered. Frankly I would not sell mine for less than low 900's based on the above and the fact that in many respects she is irreplaceable in the short run.

    best wishes.

    Condor
     
  6. Identity
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    Identity New Member

    1 year after.. Still loving the B57? ;)

    Hi Condor,

    I ran into this thread by google. See you last post is over 1 quarter old, so you must have been enjoying your B57 over a season now I guess.

    We're looking into a B57 (and simular boats, size/price) too, and all information is welcome, so if you still are roaming around on this forum, you're findings are very welcome!

    If there are more people that can provide me with information, of starting a discussion, I really look forward to it.

    Regards,

    - C
     
  7. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    B 57

    the B57 is a great boat. I have now sailed her for a year. She is big and fast and confidence inspiring. Read my artiocle on big boats in the August issue of SAIL. ( I am taliking about my boat).

    LIke all big boats with lots of systems she has had growing pains.

    BUt I sailed her 1,200 miles dow n to Florida nd back (in guyst up to 50 off Hatteras ) and she was just fine.

    In tis size, she really does not compete directly with any other production boat. The 57 is really a 60 becuase of the swim platform and waterline length.

    She is much larger than a Hylas 54 or a Jeaneau 53. In fact I was on a Oyster 70 and she is really mor that size.

    Let me know if I can help further.

    Condor
     
  8. Identity
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    Identity New Member

    Great to hear, I gonna try to find that august article in SAIL.

    About the growing pains, can you give some more details?

    I currently have my eyes on a 2005 B57, with all options but the pedestral wheel installed.

    - C
     
  9. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    Growing pains

    systems stuff, Raymarine calibration, chain counter, electrical gremlins when a light circuit won't work. Minor stuff. Remeber Beneteau only builds the boat, someone else builds all the "stuff".

    I also wrote the unoffical owner's manual for the boat. The one with the boat is all but useless. Let me know and I can get you a copy.

    Beneteau liked it but is not distributing it.

    Article will be in the upcoming August issue (so they tell me).

    Condor
     
  10. Identity
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    Identity New Member

    Well...

    If you are willing to share your work with me, I'll be more than happy. Right now all favours already goes to the B57, but more information will sure help me easying my mind with the decision ;)

    Not sure about posting my email on a public forum, might try to find another way first to give you my direct contact information.

    - C
     
  11. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    I know of a 57 for sale in our yard (owner died) Let me know if I can be of assistance.

    rlally@flrcpa.com

    Condor
     
  12. John Greenwood
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    John Greenwood New Member

    Jeanneau 54DS

    Currently on circumnavigation in Jeanneau 54DS - chosen over the Beneteau - better build and finish. better use of space. Although very open cockpit seldom got wet. Sails v well. biggest probem reliability of genset and autohelm ST600 not fit for long distance best party boat on the Rally because os space.
     
  13. John Greenwood
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    John Greenwood New Member

    Jeanneau 54DS

    Currently on circumnavigation in Jeanneau 54DS - chosen over the Beneteau - better build and finish. better use of space. Although very open cockpit seldom got wet. Sails v well. biggest probem reliability of genset and autohelm ST600 not fit for long distance best party boat on the Rally because of space.
     
  14. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    There is no question the Jenneau 54 is fabulous boat. Very good sailer, very pretty. My decision was based on two things. First, my local dealer is terrific and sells Benneteaus. Two, I like the center cockpit, aft cabin on big boats.

    But either boat is a fine choice. Either boat will cross an ocean safely. Either boat is a blast.

    See my article on big boats in October 2007 Sail Magazine
     

  15. condor
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    condor Junior Member

    I own my 57 for around 800+ but the prices have gone up. The jenneau is a beautiful boat.
     
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