Trying to compare Jeanneau 54DS & Beneteau 57

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

  1. psolvik

    psolvik Guest

    condor- i'm interested in more detailed discussion on the B57
     
  2. Journeyman
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    Location: Gulf of Catalina

    Journeyman New Member

    Why is your B57 so fast?

    Condor,

    I just checked out the performance of seven B57s sailing transatlantic in the ARC 2007.

    They were averaging 169nm/day or 7.0 kts.

    A random sampling of the 37 foot boats were averaging 152nm/day or 6.3 kts.

    Doesn't seem to be a significant speed difference between a B57 and a 37 foot boat. And at shorter distances, it would be inconsequential.

    I am looking to buy a B57 for other reasons, but speed won't be on the list.

    Journeyman
     
  3. condor
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: connecicut USA

    condor Junior Member

    ARC presents special issues. Because of the distance, motoring runs the risk of running out of fuel. So people sail on even in lighter airs. The B 57 is not a great light air boat. ON shorter transits, as when I have taken her 1,200 miles to FL, I can be more aggressive on fuel usage. We sail at 7+_ knots to motor at 8+ knots.

    Accordingly, I think th issue is the length of the journey and the risk of fuel shortage.

    The B 57 is no boat to go ghosting around in.

    That said, in 3,000 miles she would leave the 37's well behind.

    Condor
     
  4. Journeyman
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    Location: Gulf of Catalina

    Journeyman New Member

    B57 stuff.

    Interesting that a 49' waterline cannot do much better than "7+" knots. But the more I learn about crusing sailboats the less theoretical boat design premises seem to apply. I used to think that theoretical displacement speeds would be more of an indicator (e.g. a B57 should be a "9+" knot boat).

    I also note that this ARC 2007 race was reported as anything but light air. One of the windiest ever, with 30-50 kts reported by many boats. One of the B57s broke their boom I believe.

    That said, I am most interested in the B57 for the potential comfort factor of an easy to handle, 50,000 pound boat that doesn't beat you up all day and night. How did you find the Ride in your Florida cruise vis a vis say a 20,000 lb37 footer, and do you have good confidence in your in-mast roller furler?

    The Euro/Dollar thing is sure making this boat more expensive!

    Thanks for your input so far.
     
  5. condor
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: connecicut USA

    condor Junior Member

    There is a virtually new B 57 for sale at a yard in CT. Owner (92 years old ) died. Price is on Interyacht for $795,000 US Not bad.

    Condor
     
  6. docteur
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: San Diego

    docteur New Member

    Hi Condor,

    I recently purchased a Beneteau 57 (still in commissioning) and wonder where I might get an owner's manual. Also, how would I contact you directly?

    Docteur
     
  7. dskira

    dskira Previous Member

    Good evening Condor
    You said:
    "Just as in the auto industry 80 years ago, the small specialty makers will go away. We will be left with the large manufaturers which have the resources to make modern designs and deliver at a price. One only has to look to Little Harbor and Bristol to see the way this goes."
    You can't compere auto and boat. They are so different as a market that it is the same as talking steak and airplane.
    Small boatbuilder who built custom boat are goind very strong here in maine, and the price is very competitive to a production boat. Rest assured, they will not disapear, but a lot of big production boat went belly up years ago. They had to consolidate to survive.
    Farr and other design also one off, very succefuly.
    But production boat are very good, no doubt about that. They just looks plain vanilla. But that is my personal opinion.
     
  8. Inge
    Joined: Nov 2008
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    Inge New Member

    Jeanneau 54 vs. Beneteau 57

    We have today a Benetau 523 and are thinking about upgrading to the Benetau 57. We have looked at the J 54 as well as Hylas 54 and other sailing vessels in the 53-60 range. We favour the B 57 and wondewr if anyone has some thoghts on this.
    Inge
     
  9. Inge
    Joined: Nov 2008
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    Inge New Member

    Why a Beneteau 57

    This is Inge and I am a very new member, so please bear with me. On the Subject of the J54 vs. B57, i would like to say the following-- we have today a B523 (52 feet ++ a little..), a boat that we have been very happy with (a bit larger than the B473). we looked and looked and study all kinds of saliboats. My wife and I also talked to a lot of people about the pros & cons of a smaller boat (35-45 feet)vs. a largewr boat (45-60 feet). We came to the conclusion that bigger is better and with the tecnology today, a couple can manage a 60 foor boat. we are looking at the B57 and other SVs of a similar size, but we like the B57 for a number of reasons, but more on that later. We would like very much to have the views and opinion form people much more experienced then we are.
     
  10. docteur
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: San Diego

    docteur New Member

    Hi -

    To those who say the Beneteau 57 is not fast - We hit 10.2 knots in 18 knots of wind in Catalina this summer. Go to the YouTube link below and watch her fly:

    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=beneteau 57&aq=f

    This boat is fast enough that I plan on racing her in the San Diego Beer Can Series this summer and winning (non-spinnaker class).

    In heavier winds, this yacht is a freight train. In lighter winds, she gets up and moves pretty well too!

    The Beneteau 57 is a very exciting yacht to sail and just an absolute pleasure to be aboard at anchor. She is an incredible value.

    Docteur
     
  11. Inge
    Joined: Nov 2008
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    Inge New Member

    I thank Docteur for his comments. There seems to be discussion on the "speed" of the B 57, but not that many comments on the handling of the B 57. Does anyone have a view on how easy it is for two people - a couple - to handle the B 57. Inge
     

  12. jgreenwood
    Joined: Jun 2009
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    Location: thailand

    jgreenwood New Member

    Jeanneau 54DS

    Compare Jeanneau 54DS with Beneteau 57 - Jeanneau far better, we have sailed around the world in our 54DS. Open cockpit no problem and best for blue water cruising plus two helm positions cf Beneteau. We performed better than many Oyster 56's and certainly better than smaller Oysters - money is no arbiter. Oysters have small cockpits if you want to seat four for lunch then OK but give me large spaces any time. Just about to start our second circumnavigation so that says something about the Jeanneau. We went for the forward owners cabin with two aft doubles, far better than the owner's aft cabin. We use one aft cabin as sea berth when on long voyages but up front is far better at anchor etc. Fwd cabin accessed from the fordeck is used as sail locker/storage. Lazarettes are huge and will hold all you require for long distance sailing. She sails very well and will hold a steady 9 or even 10 knots in lightish winds if you try.
     
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