We really loved this Beneteau sailboat, but we’re not sure what to think about it as an option for living aboard. That’s where this full boat tour of the Beneteau 361 comes into play.
When you don’t know what you’re doing, I find it’s best to just go ahead and start doing.
That’s what we’re doing in the sailboat market. Just doing and learning as we go.
At the time of writing this, I’ve only sailed in two sailboats (the O’Day 35 Sailboat, Beneteau 34). Both of those trips were with experienced captains, so thinking about buying a boat to sail away with my family full time is, let’s just say, overwhelming.
Here’s what we discovered about the Beneteau 361.
Beneteau 361 Walkthrough Boat Tour
Let’s start with a few facts about the Beneteau 361, some details about comfort, and then we’ll look into what other folks think about this sailboat.
Beneteau 361 Facts
Overall Lenght: 36.42 ft
Beam (Width): 12.50 ft
Displacement (Water Weight): 13,349
Comfort Ratio: 21.84
Before we started shopping for the right sailboat to liveaboard, those numbers meant nothing to us. Here’s what we’ve discovered:
- Length affects living comfort and speed.
- Beam affects living comfort and safety (too much beam = dangerous in open oceans).
- Displacement affects speed and safety
- Comfort Ratio is a simple calculation involving length, displacement, and beam.
The Comfort Ratio is Important
Essentially, the comfort ratio estimates how smooth and comfortable the sailboat is in big waves. The lower the number, the more the sailboat is likely to be tossed around, and the ride is jolting. ?
The Beneteau 361 has a comfort ratio of 21.84, which is considered low. For us, we want that ratio to be in the 30s or above.
Most boats that are considered seaworthy, have comfort ratios in the 30s and even the 40s.
This is a ratio created by Ted Brewer as a measure of motion comfort. It provides a reasonable comparison between yachts of similar type. It is based on the fact that the faster the motion the more upsetting it is to the average person. Consider, though, that the typical summertime coastal cruiser will rarely encounter the wind and seas that an ocean-going yacht will meet.
Numbers below 20 indicate a lightweight racing boat;
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser;
30 to 40 indicates a moderate bluewater cruising boat;
40 to 50 indicates a heavy bluewater boat.
Source: Sailboatdata.com
Opinions About This Beneteau Sailboat
When we published this video on YouTube, we asked a few questions:
“I hope you enjoy this sailboat walkthrough, and what do you think? Would it be big enough to liveaboard? Would the Beneteau 361 be safe enough for the Bahamas? What if we wanted to head out into the deep bluewater? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!”
The responses were insightful:
“We have a 361 sister-ship…it’s a great all=around boat…for the ICW (mast height 50 ft)…for the Keys & Bahamas, a 5 ft draft.”
Paul Oullette
“You might want to look at the displacement and capsize screening on this Beneteau. These two numbers can help you know how comfortable the sailboat will be at sea.”
Martusia Natura
” My uncle had a Beneteau Sailboat and he loved it. This video reminded me of sailing with him one summer. He was a sailboat liveaboard. Thanks for a great boat tour!”
Candle
What Do You Think?
If you read this far, you’re a real friend! Thanks.
We haven’t really formed an opinion yet, so we’re all ears. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or one of our land friends (thanks for reading!), consider leaving your thoughts about this Beneteau sailboat!
Leave a comment in this blog below or on the video over at YouTube.
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