I rented a 2021 51 Beneteau Oceanis for 2 weeks over x-mas and new years eve. We really enjoyed cruising to the Tortugas and Key West. It had all the bells and whistles so to speak but I wasn't a fan of the in mast furling. I own and sail a 50ft steel ketch out of New England with my family and the two vessels couldn't be more different so it's hard to compare because it's apples and oranges. The Beneteau did a lot of squeaking and knocking in the aft cabins. I thought it was the auto pilot pump motor at first but then I inspected closely and realized it was bulkhead shifting making the knocking and squeaking depending on what angle of waves you were on. I googled it and it was a common problem but not a big deal to me on charter but a long run would get annoying. On my steel ketch that is insulated it's pretty quiet so that was something the kids mentioned. The twin rudders was another factor. I am used to a single big rudder and when you are getting your stern lined up to go into a slip you can just give it some juice with rudder over hard and it'll push you over but with the twin rudder you don't get that direct thrust off the propeller because the thrust doesn't hit them it goes between them. The bow thruster is an absolute must on that boat. Would I cross an ocean on it or better yet, do I think it's safe and capable? Yes and Yes. The interior isn't very rough sea ready but it can be and the hull is solid and the boat is fast, plus with weather apps and the technology today it's a lot easier to route. I'd definitely make some safety upgrades to make it more blue water friendly if I was to buy this vessel to cruise the globe with my family.

Please compare the Oceanis 40.1 to the four top modern competitors. It would greatly help me choose a new boat in 2024. Thanks Chris!

Considering most people who live aboard cruise spend at least 80% of their time at anchor why wouldn't you want the Beneteau for the comfort and space? Oh! By the way it is faster than the Pacific Seacraft by a lot since its Displacement/Length ratio is 138.9 compared to the Pacific Seacraft at 351.09. You will be sailing at a reasonable speed even at 5 knots of wind with the Beneteau. The Pacific Seacraft will be motoring. That is ecologically unsound. And one last thing. Unless your intention is to just spend your time crossing oceans back and forth why would you buy a boat just for that? The winner is clear. It isn't even close.

While I wouldn't want one, I just love the beauty of the Pacific Seacraft, especially when sailing with both the genoa and staysail. That is rather reminiscent of the old clipper ships. I would find Pacific Seacraft more appealing if they ditched the canoe stern and brought the beam all the way aft. (Still, the canoe stern adds to the aesthetic appeal. Too bad it is rather impractical for maximizing living space.)

Capsize ratios? Comfort ratios, displacement and ballast?

Nice video Chris, when I first started looking I would have taken the Pacific Seacraft but with the extra searching and information I have learnt from you. I now would be and am looking at something little newer and something much better to live on and cruise. Thanks Chris for all your videos and knowledge.

Another soldi video. Well done.

The constant “blue water” vs “production cruising” sailboat argument is astounding. For most people making their purchase decision based on ocean crossing design is really silly. How many days of a five year ownership will be spent crossing an ocean? One crossing or perhaps two? Both kinds of boats can do it and it will not be “fun” no mater which boat you are in. So, the vast majority of ownership days (98%) will involve locality sailing, anchoring and of course some time at marinas. The newer designs offer faster sailing (particularly in light air), more access (less draft), larger living space (above & below) and are typically more available, so the choices are numerous & prices are lower. It is a no brainer.

Are you serious?

Now who doesn't appreciate a well built PacSeacraft? But,......Ya!!!!!,....no question. Modern designs dominate.

Did Pacific seacraft make a full keel in the 40 foot range mine is a Fin with rudder on skeg and sailboat data online also says its a Fin with rudder on skeg they don't mention a full keel

Good content concept. I like it.

Flat forward sections seem to slam more in my experience.

WOW, great review of "traditional Blue Water" vs the new "Blue Water!" This is just what you've been saying all along about newer production design vs old school traditional design in one nice neat package. Just wish I have $100k (I'm saving and I'm glad that I did not buy the 40' Out Island) Thank you for sharing your excellent personal sailing perspective. This is a paradigm shift and I'm starting to drink your Koolaid!

I like them both for different reasons. One of each, please. 😁

When comparing boats, matching year model to year model makes a fairer match up. Also, a 100 thousand dollars or more buys a lot more boat.

Please do a video on a DS model like the Sirius 40DS, drawbacks and plus sides etc.

Hunter 410 vs a 40’ Valiant for use in the carribean

Iv owned all sorts , 54 round bilge steel cutter, 65 ft glass cutter , 411 bene , 37 Jeanaue , Trys , Cats & done a fair bit of deliveries . The older heavier boats give a feeling of security & some can out sail many newer lighter ones BUT for just plain easy sailing & MAINTINANCE (A biggy), The newer production boats win hands down & they do slam to windward in a heavy seaway but if you want the room & really how many times do you 'have to' sail of a lee shore in 40 knots - Bad planning .

Not a fair comparison, compare to a modern full keel island packet

Chris, I'd take the Beneteau, hands-down. Question: was this a veiled shot or reference to a well known sailing channel that selected a PS 40 for their second boat?

You can keep saying these things are strongly built all day long. They are what they are, but I don't want to ground one, and I sure AF don't want to upside down in one because it's not coming back in a hurry. I want one though... 😀

This is completely subjective, but I love the way the older boats look when compared against the modern ones. The snub nose and fat ass just don't do anything for me. Admittedly I wouldn't be looking at it if I was living on it, but still.

I've watched a few of your videos as well as others on the Oceanis 40.1 and it sounds like it's at the top of my list. My conflict is, I have a dream to circumnavigate but expect I will eventually settle in the Caribbean. Am I looking at two different boats or do you think the Oceanis 40.1 can be that vessel?

Total nailbiter there! It was soooo close.

And they're off. Did the jockey fall off or did the horse break a leg.

Love this Chris! Myth busting…

So who would take the ocieans 40.1 over the 473?

Beneteau oceanis 40.1 hands down over the Pacific sea craft 40 . But then again I love the Beneteau range , eze of getting parts , space onboard and above all their performance

Jeanneau 349 vs Cabo Rico 38

Solid Fiberglass, not Soldi

You contradict yourself we know you are a Beneteau fan boy not that I do not like them as well however, how can the LOA on Beneteau be 42.22 when it clearly says written down that it is 42.16 how is that even with Pacific Seacraft. If you are going to be fair then do just that.

No comparison The Seacraft all day long Beneteau boats are garbage

Beneteau is ugly!