Beneteau First 35

My First 35 "Michaila" is now sold

2009-08-28T12:34:00.018+01:00

Hello & Welcome to my site for "Michaila". I've set up this blog in the style of a website with different pages. To do this I've had to segregate the posts into different months so that I could have a start and finish with different sections of information. To navigate the site just click on the BLOG ARCHIVE drop-down box.
Although most information associated with "Michaila" can be found in this blog, I have also placed PDF documents & more photo's online. They can be found at the URL's below.
http://www.scribd.com/saxonpirate
http://s577.photobucket.com/albums/ss213/saxonpirate/

2009-08-18T02:14:00.027+01:00

My Beneteau First 35 'Michaila' has been in my ownership for the past eleven years. Over those years, a lot of time, love and money has been lavished on her. She's in lovely condition and ready to sail away. If you are interested in knowing more contact me by email, and I'll respond to any questions you may have...
First35michaila@gmail.com

Layout & Owners Impression

2009-08-15T17:24:00.014+01:00

I've enclosed some links on the sidebar regarding the original concept of the First 35, so I won't repeat that here. Only to say that at all times, and in all sorts of weather, I've found her to be an incredible sailing boat, and easily sailed short handed. I've sailed her single handed mostly, and never felt that it was bordering on hard work. She's incredibly stiff and stable with a 46% ballast ratio and well able to stand up to her canvas. As good in light winds as heavy, and responsive on the helm. A little research on the web will soon bring up an abundance of satisfied owners and long passages made. Along with the First 30/32 and the First 35, Jean Berret's designs put Beneteau on the map amongst cruiser/racers of the time, and established the company in many ways. It's well known that the early Beneteau's were very well put together, and the GRP lay-up was substantial.

The First 35 is a very big thirty-five footer. There is an amazing amount of volume down below that is more than adequate for family cruising or longer term liveaboard, and the two double cabins aft are a real boon. With a good sea-manlike galley and an excellent navigation area, when you go down below you know you've stepped onto a real sailing boat. As for the saloon, I've had eight people around the saloon table on occasions, so she'll stand populating.

Saloon

2009-08-15T11:36:00.017+01:00

Galley

2009-08-13T11:27:00.007+01:00

The bottom galley photo shows the old cool-box lid still in place. I've since completely modified the box and lid, see first photo. I've decreased the size of the box (it was far too large) added 50mm insulation and a new lid. It is now very efficient, both on battery usage and it's ability to stay chilled for longer.

Navigation Area

2009-08-11T16:06:00.012+01:00

If there's one thing I really love about this boat it's the Nav Area. The table is full size with bags of chart stowage under the lid. All instruments are easy to get at and view, plus it's a comfortable and safe place to be in a seaway. Note { The Lowrance Plotter is linked to the Autohelm ST6000 head and the Nasa AIS unit, and the Garmin 128 GPS is linked to the VHF Radio for position read-outs.

Port Side Aft Cabin

2009-08-10T01:28:00.008+01:00

2009-08-09T12:43:00.001+01:00

Topsides & Underwater

2009-07-31T10:52:00.012+01:00

Topsides : Two coats of Oyster White Awlgrip on two coats of epoxy undercoat. The blue stripe is adhesive backed vinyl.

Underwater : The underwater area was tested with a Sovereign Moisture Meter and the readings were more than acceptable for Gel-Protect SFE200 application. All the underwater sections of the boat have had 4 coats of Blake's Gel-Protect SFE200 applied. The cast keel was blasted and ground back to clean, and given the Epoxy treatment as well.

Michaila with New Awlgrip Topsides

2009-07-30T10:43:00.002+01:00

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2009-07-24T12:27:00.004+01:00

The bathing platform/step has a removable Passerelle that can be used when berthing stern-to Mediterranean style.

2009-07-23T11:14:00.002+01:00

2009-07-22T12:38:00.004+01:00

The ports in the hull side stripe are 10mm smoked perspex, these were renewed at the same time as hatch and main cabin windows.

2009-07-21T19:44:00.001+01:00

2009-07-20T19:47:00.001+01:00

Out on Deck (click to enlarge)

2009-06-30T18:13:00.008+01:00

A couple of photo's here of the foredeck showing the Loffrans Cayman Windlass & Foot Switches, Nemo Roller Furling Gear, 35lb Drop Forged CQR Anchor and Anchor Locker. I carried out modifications in this area, which included a new Beneteau Stemhead fitting, beefing up the area around the windlass and making up a new teak plinth with adjacent teak decked panel. I altered the anchor locker hatch to suit and re-hinged with sturdier hinges and a new locking hasp. The wiring in this area for the windlass, switches and bi-colour light was also renewed as necessary.

2009-06-29T18:19:00.003+01:00

A nice uncluttered deck to work on. All the Goiot Deck Hatches have been re-bedded and perspex replaced. The cabin side windows are new smoked 12mm perspex.

2009-06-28T18:24:00.002+01:00

2009-06-27T18:28:00.004+01:00

I had a new mast heel pad made up from solid alloy with better drainage of the mast, and secured it to the deck with s/s u/bolts for the blocks. I also rewired the mast when I had it down for maintenance and fitted new deck connectors for the wiring and also a new kicker vang fitting.

2009-06-26T18:31:00.004+01:00

I replaced the teak grab rails with a more substantial section than the originals.

2009-06-25T19:04:00.004+01:00

A couple of photo's here of the hatch garage that I teak decked for two reasons. One to stiffen it up and the other purely for cosmetics. I was loath to fit the Sunware Solar Panel on it but after much thought decided it was the only place to go.

2009-06-24T19:08:00.009+01:00

Michaila's cockpit is a comfortable place to be when sailing or entertaining. Along with the sprayhood, when the dodgers are fitted there's a lot of protection. The control head for the Autohelm ST3000 Wheelpilot fits on the std bridge-deck bulkhead. The cockpit coamings are angled so as to make it comfortable to sit on when heeled. In the pick below you can see one of the lockers in the lazarette, the emergency tiller plug and fuel filler on the port quarter.

Some More Interior Photo's

2009-05-31T15:14:00.017+01:00

Engine : Volvo MD 17D/ MS2 Gearbox

2009-04-30T14:21:00.006+01:00

In early 2008 the Volvo MD17D with MS2 Gearbox...had a total rebuild, including bottom end shells, rings, new injectors, alternator, liner seals, head gaskets, raw water pump, seals etc, etc.

At the same time, new engine beds were bonded in, sound proofing, bilge-pump piping installed and new wiring etc, etc... I replaced the gland tube, P bracket and cutlass bearing, 30mm prop shaft. I also fitted a new R&D flexi coupling and a R&D shaft coupling, control cables, vetus raw water filter, inlet secock, inspection lighting and also added a new brass gland greaser. I've also fitted a calorifier with accumulator tank in the engine bay, and moved the expansion tank position so as to eradicate air locks.

Visit this URL for Engine Photo's http://photobucket.com/BeneteauFirst35Michaila

Out of the Workshop

2009-04-29T16:29:00.001+01:00

Stainless Elbow

2009-04-28T16:01:00.001+01:00

Some Useful Links

2009-04-27T19:59:00.001+01:00

Here are some useful URL's for a little more information on the MD 17D Engine & MS2 Gearbox. They are stored in my online account with Scribd. To see all the relevant documents in one go, use the URL immedietly below.

Scribd : http://www.scribd.com/saxonpirate

Owners Handbook : http://www.scribd.com/doc/18665445/MD-17D-OWNER

Engine Brochure : http://www.scribd.com/doc/18665286/MD17DMS2120S1981en

Workshop Manual : http://www.scribd.com/doc/18648070/VolvoMD11CD17CD

First Test

2009-04-26T16:22:00.001+01:00

Engine Bay Ready

2009-04-24T20:33:00.001+01:00

Volvo MD 17D Installed.

2009-04-23T11:39:00.001+01:00

View from MS2 Gearbox End

2009-04-22T20:52:00.001+01:00

R&D Flexi Drive Coupling etc

2009-04-22T13:05:00.002+01:00

Calorifier

2009-04-21T13:08:00.002+01:00

Filters & Raw Water Pump

2009-04-20T18:04:00.001+01:00

Accumulator Tank for Calorifier

2009-04-19T18:08:00.001+01:00

Out of Site Areas (click to enlarge)

2009-03-30T20:16:00.003+01:00

I thought I'd put in a few pics of areas in the boat that don't normally get shown. Not at all glamorous I know, just purely functional. In the pics below you'll find the Bilge under the cabin sole, Flexi water tanks, inside Bilge pump, TEK tank for Diesel heater, Compressor for cool/box, 12v pressure water pump and Whale foot pump, Battery Compartment, Sea-cocks under heads sink and Anti-syphon valves.

Bilge Area in Main Saloon

2009-03-29T20:27:00.001+01:00

Since this photo was taken I've fitted a manual bilge pump in the starboard saloon bunk and it draws from the main sump situated under the saloon table. In the sump there is 12v submersible pump that keeps the bilge dry and also acts as a shower drain pump.

Saloon Bilge Pump and Starboard Flexi Water Tank.

2009-03-28T20:38:00.001Z

Close Up of Saloon Bilge Pump & Flexi Tank

2009-03-27T20:43:00.001Z

Port Side Flexi Water Tank

2009-03-26T20:47:00.002Z

Like the Starboard tank, this Plastimo Flexi holds 100 ltr's of water. The filler for the tanks is sited on the the Starboard Side Deck, and uses separate filler pipes for each tank. A diverter valve if needed is located in the Starboard Hanging Locker.

Port Flexi Tank & Adjacent Tek Tank

2009-03-25T20:50:00.001Z

Tek Tank & Dickinson Diesel Heater

2009-03-24T20:54:00.001Z

This Tek Tank contains 33lts of diesel and is filled from a deck filler on the port side deck. Also visible is the fuel filter and 12v pump which supplies the heater. The power for the pump is controlled by a switch in the Nav Area.

Galley : Cupboard Under the Sinks

2009-03-23T21:04:00.001Z

To the right is the Danfoss Compressor which is draws cooling air from two vents in the galley joinery. This compressor is controlled by a thermostat in the cool box. The power cut off/on switch is situated in the Nav Area. Also visible is the 12volt Pressure Water Pump and the Whale Galley Gusher foot pump. The sea-cock is for the twin sinks, and like all the sea-cocks in the boat was renewed in early 2008.

Battery Compartment

2009-03-22T13:58:00.003Z

The batteries : 2 x 110amp/hr deep cycle domestics and 1 x 110 amp/hr engine start. The bottom photo from the left shows a vent, 3 way battery switch, isolator switch for windlass and HRDX charge controller for the Rutland 913 Wind Generator and Sunware Solar Panel. The 240 volt battery charger is a Sterling 20amp 4/stage Pro-Charge.

Under Heads Sink & Anti Syphon

2009-03-21T16:44:00.004Z

New seacocks for both the heads sink, and saloon bilge/shower outlets.

11/2" & 3/4" Anti-syphon valves for the Jabsco Toilet.

First 35 Brochure (click to enlarge)

2009-02-27T17:42:00.003Z

A PDF version of this original brochure is available by clicking the brochure link in the side-bar.

2009-02-26T17:57:00.001Z

2009-02-25T17:59:00.001Z

2009-02-24T18:01:00.001Z

2009-02-23T18:03:00.001Z

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2009-02-18T18:21:00.001Z

2009-02-17T18:26:00.001Z

First 35 by Jean Berret

2009-02-16T19:54:00.001Z

Plans, Layouts & Stuff (click to enlarge)

2009-01-31T12:34:00.002Z

This plan was one of the originals for sales, giving details in English, French & German. It also shows in the circular inset the alternative Dinette Layout. I don't think many of those were made. I've only ever come across one.

Interior Layout Drawing

2009-01-30T12:46:00.001Z

Not entirely accurate in the Galley area with the omission of double sinks and cool-box placing, but a good drawing nonetheless

Colour Plan

2009-01-29T12:57:00.001Z

Don't really know where this one came from. I don't think it was one of Beneteau's. Could well have been made up by a charter company?

Sail & Interior Plan GIF

2009-01-28T13:03:00.002Z

Sail Plan with Measurements

2009-01-27T13:09:00.002Z

Isomat Mast Section

2009-01-25T16:24:00.006Z

Isomat NG-60 Mast
Measurements (OD): 8.07" x 5.39" (205mm x 137mm)
Wall Thickness (minimum): .130"
Weight/ft.: 4.03 lbs. Weight/M: 6.01 kg
Moments of inertia: Ixx = 26.43", Iyy = 12.73"
Circumference: 22 1/8" (562mm)
Alloy: 6061-T6
Sail slides: 15/16" flat slides (A008M)
Standard Mast Lengths: 50'10" (15,500mm), 54'4 (16,570mm)

Detailed specifications are available at the URL below for all Isomat Spars & Parts. Although Isomat themselves are no longer in existence the sections & certain parts are still available through Z Spars.

http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Isomat_Spars/ISOMAT_Main.html

Isomat Boom Section

2009-01-24T16:30:00.002Z

Isomat NB-16 Boom Section
Measurements (OD): 2 7/8" x 3 1/2" (72mm x 90mm)
Wall Thickness: .065"
Weight/ft.: 1.08 lbs. Weight/M: 1.61 kg
Moments of inertia: Ixx = 1.11", Iyy = 1.06"
Circumference: 10 3/4" (273mm)
Alloy: 6061-T6
Sail slides: 1/2" round slugs (A018, A118) or 1/2" boltrope
Standard Boom Lengths: 9'0" (2750mm)

Detailed specifications are available at the URL below for all Isomat Spars & Parts. Although Isomat themselves are no longer in existence the sections & certain parts are still available through Z Spars.

http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Isomat_Spars/ISOMAT_Main.html

"Michaila" AVS Measurement Plan

2009-01-23T13:21:00.006Z

Technical Specs based on True/Actual Waterline above keel : 2.35'

Ballast Ratio : 46%
Angle of Vanishing Stability : 136.85
Displacement to Length Ratio : 195.34
Sail Area Displacement Ratio : 18.52
Motion Comfort Ratio : 187.66
Theoretical Hull Speed : 7.95 knots

I've included these because yacht stability is a subject that's always interested me. If you search the Internet for the subject you will find a wealth of information and formulas on yacht stability. AVS is the Angle of Vanishing Stability, ie : when a yacht has reached the critical angle of capsize, turning turtle. The argument centers of course around vessels that are deemed safer than others to cross open oceans, and run the risk of encountering severe conditions and breaking waves. Would I sail oceans in "Michaila"? most certainly. Although not an ocean, I have crossed Biscay in her on five occasions now, and on one of those trips experienced heavy weather with big confused seas. I was caught out by a very fast moving deep depression and took quite hammering, but we came out of it ok.

The story by Michel Goldstein on the URL below gives a good account of what modern yachts can take. He was caught out by a vicious storm while on passage to Bermuda in his First 35, and learned later that that storm produced hurricane force winds in excess of 110 knots, and waves over 60 feet. He also found out that a container ship broke up in the vicinity that he was anchored by his parachute drogue.

http://www.yachtcouncil.com/boating-stories/A+very+high+seas+adventure

Michaila's Inventory

2008-12-31T20:18:00.011Z

SPARS & RIGGING
Isomat Mast and Boom with slab reefing. Spinaker Gear. Standing rigging renewed in 2002, Running rigging renewed in 2009. Nemo Roller Furling gear. Lazy Jacks 2009.

SAILS
Three/quarter battened, 3 Reef Main by Spargo & Bennet 2009, Working and No 2 Genoas, both in excellent condition.

DECK CANVAS
Mainsail Cover 2009, Spray Hood & Dodgers 2005, Hatch Chutes.

ENGINE
Volvo MD 17D/ with MS2 Gearbox (rebuilt in 2008) The Engine is Fresh Water Cooled with a Heat Exchanger, Raw Water Cooled Exhaust, Driving through R&D Flexi and R&D Coupling, New Shaft, Gland Tube and P Bracket with Cutlass Bearing, a Three Blade Propeller, New Brass Stern Gland Greaser, Vetus Raw Water Filter, Rope Cutter.

DECK GEAR
Barlow Winches (all refurbished) Spinlock Triple Jammers, Goiot Deck Hatches (all refurbished, new perspex) Barbarossa Turning Blocks, Goiot Tracks & Sliders, New Perspex Side Windows.

ANCHORING
Loffrans Caymen Windlass with fordeck foot switches & pedestal switch, Twin Roller Stemhead, Stern Roller, 35lb CQR, 35lb Danforth, Med Grapnel.

MOORING
Various Mooring Warps, 7 Large Fenders, Boat Hooks, Fender Board

STEERING
Wheel with Pedestal and Morse Control, S/S Emergency Tiller.

SAFETY
Webbing Jack Stays, 3 Life Buoys, 2 with lights and cradles, Dan Buoy, U Bolts/Harness points, 4 Man Valise Liferaft, Life Jackets, Fire Blanket, 3 Fire Extinguishers, 2 Manual Bilge P/mps, 2 Electric P/mps, Firdell Blipper & Alloy Traditional Radar Reflectors , Fog Horn (gas), Search Lights.

NAVIGATION
Plastimo Pedestal Compass, Clipper Navtex, AIS Radar, Weatherman, Duet Log Echo/sounder, Lowrance 5150c Plotter (with euro chart cartridge) Garmin 128 GPS, Navman 7100 DSC VHF, AIS/VHF Splitter, Autohelm ST6000 Head linked to ST3000 Autohelm, Vitronix VHF Ariel with Windex.

ELECTRICS
110 a/h Starter Battery, 2 x 110 a/h Deep Cycle Domestics, 3 Way Battery Isolator Switch, 100 amp Trip for Windlass, Isolator Switch for Windlass, 240v Sterling 4 Stage Battery Charger, Sterling Split Charge Control for Alternator, 240 v Input Socket and on board circuit, Chart Table Flexi Light and Overhead Red, 10 Interior Lights, Clipper BM1 Battery Monitor, 2 Switch Panels with C/ Breakers, 2 Cigar type 12v connectors, Masthead Tri-Colour (with LED bulb) Stern, Bi Colour & Steaming Lights.

ELECTRICS 2
Rutland 913 Wind Generator, Sunware 39 Solar Panel, both power sources are regulated by a HRDX Power Controller.

ENTERTAINMENT
CD/FM/LW/MW Radio, Tape/FM/LW/MW Radio supplying 2 x below deck speakers and 2 x Waterproof Speakers in Cockpit.

HEATING
Dickinson B/H Diesel Heater supplied by 33 ltr TEK Tank.

PLUMBING & WATER
2 x 100 ltr Plastimo Flexi Tanks, supplied by deck filler with in line Diverter Valve, Calorifier with 240v Immersion Heater, 12v Power Pump, Accumulator, Whale Galley Gusher, Hot & Cold Mixer, Faucet supplied by Gusher, Mixing Shower Tap in Heads.

GALLEY
Plastimo Hob/Grill/ Oven Cooker (2007), Cool Box supplied by Danfoss Compressor & Cool Plate, Twin Sinks.

HEADS
Jabsco Toilet with Anti- Syphon Valves in pipe run. Moulded Sink with Shower Tap, Shower Grid, Large B/H Mirror.

TENDER
Avon Redcrest with Bag, Pump & Outboard Bracket, Oars.

OUTBOARD
Mariner 2.5hp, Bracket on Pushpit, Petrol Container.

PLATFORM
Bathing Platform on Stern that also acts as a Step, S/S Passerelle for Med Cruising that is fitted to the Bathing Platform but removable.

MICELLANEOUS
Diesel Containers, Various Spares, Fitted Carpet, Crockery, Utensils etc.

Anchored in Douarnenez

2008-12-30T22:56:00.002Z

Work Carried Out (Exterior)

2008-12-29T20:33:00.006Z

FOREDECK : New Beneteau Stemhead fitted. Structural strengthening in windlass area. New teak plinth and teak decked panel for windlass. Windlass refurbished. Anchor Locker Lid re-shaped and new hinges and catch fitted. Locker painted out with Danboline and U-bolt for tie off. Wiring renewed and bound in self-amalgamating tape. Foot Switches stripped and cleaned.

DECK : All deck fittings re-bedded. Goiot hatches re-bedded and new perspex fitted. New cabin side windows made of 12mm perspex and fitted. Hatch Garage fitted with teak decking and Solar Panel added. New grabrails fabricated and fitted.

MAST : Mast removed, all fittings checked. New Tri-Colour light with LED fitted. New VHF Antenna with Windex fitted. Standing Rigging & Running Rigging renewed. New Steaming light fitted. Mast 12 volt wiring renewed, along with new deck connectors. Lazy Jacks fitted. New Kicker Tang.

COCKPIT AREA : All cockpit seat slatting removed and replaced where necessary and re-bedded. New teak hatch surround and teak washboards made with locks. New teak panel on face of hatch garage console for instruments. Wheel steering stripped down, greased and refurbished where necessary. Morse engine control cables renewed, including new stop cable in stern locker. Compass light wiring renewed. Switch for Windlass fitted adjacent to Morse Control. New teak decked sole boards made for cockpit floor. U bolts fitted adjacent to hatch entrance for lifelines. Stern bathing platform removed, re-bedded and large s/s backing plates fitted. Lazarette modified to encase and protect steering quadrant, and painted in grey Danboline. 240 volt marina socket fitted under helmsman's seat. All winches stripped down and refurbished.

UNDER-WATER : Hull taken back to gel-coat, heavily abraded and 4 coats of Blakes Gel-Protect SFE200 applied after inspection and favorable moisture readings. Cast fin keel shot blasted, epoxy filled and painted. Rudder stripped back to foam and frame, grp layup, epoxied. All seacocks renewed along with pipework. New P Bracket and Cutlass Bearing bonded in. New Gland Tube bonded in. New prop-shaft. Rope cutter.

HULL/ TOPSIDES : Faired and 2 coats of Epoxy undercoat applied. 2 coats of Oyster White Awlgrip applied along with blue vinyl stripe and new name and number transfers on stern. New aft cabin ports in hull sides fabricated from 10mm smoked perspex and fitted.

Work Carried Out (Interior)

2008-12-28T20:07:00.003Z

INTERIOR : Bulkheads painted off-white. All varnish work and teak trim flattened and Blackfriars Silk applied. New Vinyl Headliners in saloon with teak baton dividers.

HEADS : New Jabsco Toilet fitted. Pipework renewed and Anti-syphon valves fitted. Toilet and sink seacocks renewed. Shower/Tap fitted. Mirror fitted.

SALOON : Saloon bilge cleaned and painted with grey Danboline. 12 volt Bilge Pump fitted in sump with separate float switch. Manual Bilge Pump fitted with strum box and non-return valve adjacent to sump, outlet in Std Hanging Locker at near deck level. Seat tops modified and painted off white. Std under-seat area divided adjacent to bilge pump. New 100ltr Plastimo Flexi tanks fitted. Dickinson Diesel Heater fitted with 33ltr Tek Tank situated under Port seating. Deck filler from Port side deck to supply tank fitted. Roller screen fitted to deck head for Goiot Hatch. New Clock & Barometer fitted to main bulkhead.

GALLEY : New Plastimo Neptune 2500 cooker fitted along with securing lock. Cool Box rebuilt and re-insulated. Isotherm Cool-plate and Danfoss 12volt compressor fitted, 2 s/s vents fitted for cooling . Whale Galley Gusher, faucet and mixer tap fitted. Fire Extinguisher and Blanket fitted.

NAV AREA : Completely re-styled and panels made up to take instruments and switch panels etc. All the existing instruments were old and replaced. Lowrance 5150c Plotter, Garmin 128 GPS, Nasa AIS, Weatherman, Navtex, Duet log/depth, Autohelm ST6000 head, Navman 7100 VHF, Nasa BM-1 Battery Monitor, Aqua Signal Switch Panel, Flexi Chart light, 2 x Cigar 12volt connectors.

STD AFT CABIN : Battery compartment completely re-built and new batteries, 240volt charger, 100amp windlass breaker, battery isolators, wiring & cables, 240volt plug socket fitted.

Some Beneteau Stuff

2008-12-27T20:50:00.015Z

Click this link for a fascinating insite into the start of André-Benjamin Bénéteau's career as a boat builder

http://www.bymnews.com/new/content/view/8573/80/

Beneteau began building boats in France in 1884 when Benjamin Beneteau opened a yard for the purpose of constructing trawlers at Croix-de-Vie. Eighty years later, under the direction of his grand-daughter Annette Roux, Beneteau built its first fiberglass sailingboat. It is the largest builder of production sailing boats in the world, producing twice as many boats as its nearest competitor.

Beneteau launched the First Series in 1979 with the sleek, ultra modern Jean Berret designed 30. Although it seems passé today, Beneteau should have patented the term “performance cruiser,” as the First Series turned out to be very successful both as racers and later on as cruisers. Berret followed up the 30 with the First 35 and First 38.

The early First Series boats were hard hit by the dreaded pox that swept through the industry from around 1983 to 1985 due to resin problems. Bénéteau itself was nearly sunk by the unexpected crisis. By 1986, the company had been forced to recall some 600 boats, including nearly all of its flagship First vessels, produced between 1983 and 1985. A supplier of a catalyst used to harden the gel-coat on the vessels' hulls had replaced an ingredient with another, water-soluble ingredient, resulting in the hulls developing a condition called osmosis, described by Bénéteau more or less as the "cancer of plastic." Although Bénéteau later successfully sued the supplier, the company struggled to rebuild its reputation and its sales through the middle of the decade. By 1987, the company, which absorbed the costs of refitting its recalled vessels told owners to take their boat to the yard, have a complete bottom job done and send them the bill. The result was that Beneteau established an impressive reputation and almost all their boats had professional osmosis jobs done.

Beneteau's production efficiency with traditional construction techniques to build affordable and strong boats that have proven themselves on countless ocean crossings. In fact, it’s safe to say that more Beneteau's have crossed the Atlantic on their own bottoms than any other boat. Beneteau boasts that its boats have logged more that five million miles during more than 1,000 crossings.