Beneteau Oceanis 41, 45, & 48

Beneteau has finally released the conceptual drawings of the replacements for the Beneteau 40 and 46. It is always exciting to see the boats from concept to actuality. Beneteau announced that they would be replacing the 40 & 46 this summer at a dealer meeting. While the current generation Oceanis models were a departure from the Oceanis models in the past, I've seen some real out of the box thinking at Beneteau. When they looked at the features that made a powerboat comfortable, it was decided to incorporate some of those features into a sailboat that broke the traditional mould. That bred the Beneteau Sense. The line features, for instance: a comfortable two steps from the cockpit to the main saloon, large windows, Dock-n-Go system. They sought a design that felt spacious, easy to handle at the dock and no deck, but she also had to live more comfortably. By placing the mechanicals under the cockpit, the boat became easier to service and was quieter in the living areas. The transom was widened and sported partial chines to make the boat perform (which was a derivative of transom form of the VOR 70 boats). The 50' felt incredibly spacious, and quick for it's size. The Sense 50 turned the page on a new line of cruising sailboats.

Oceanis 45 Sailing

With Beneteau's new Oceanis models, we are seeing some of the latest thought in boat design transfer over from the Sense line. On deck, the boat looks different from anything else on the market. They have enlarged the coachroof windows and added a set of windows face the cockpit to add light to the main saloon and aft cabin.  

There is more flexibility in layouts than we have seen in the past. The 41 can be ordered in several arrangements. There is the option of a two cabin and one head, three cabin and one head, and a three cabin with two heads arrangement... up to five cabin with two heads on the 48. Also a interesting feature is that the port settee is mounted on sliding tracks so the settee and table can be rearranged for a more flexible seating arrangement. The interiors are designed once again by the Italian superyacht firm, Nauta, and I must admit they look spectacular!

Oceanis 41 Interior

In addition the cockpit can be enlarged slightly by the almost full width of transom, electric swim platform. A platform that extends close to the water is also an important safety feature. It is easier to get into a dinghy, or recover someone that is in the water. Off the transom the beaminess of the boat is of note, and although many will comment that boats only continue to get beamier, will also note the soft chine. By adding the chine, the boat will have less buoyancy when heeled and should be easier to steer and faster upwind. The cockpit is an extraordinary space and looks inviting.

Sailors will be pleased too

Oceanis 45

Close to end boom sheeting is thanks the the arch that is now standard on some of the Oceanis models. They do provide a great place for speakers and cockpit lights as well as a sturdy attachment points for biminis and cockpit enclosures. The arch is new for Beneteau. Lines are led aft to the cockpit, and there is a winch within easy arm's length of each the wheel, so the helmsman can make adjustments to the code zero or genoa.

A saildrive unit as now standard, which will reduce engine noise and vibration belowdecks. Because the boat has a saildrive, the Dock-n-Go package will be optional on the 41, 45, & 48 which will make docking exceptionally easy.

Please stop by our office or give us a call if you have any questions.

Photo Credits- Mike Jones