The Beneteau Oceanis 350 is a versatile cruising sailboat, designed for long-distance cruising, coastal adventures, and occasional regatta participation. Launched in the late 1980s by the renowned French shipyard Beneteau, this model was a significant part of the Oceanis range, designed by the expert naval architect Jean Berret. With a length overall (LOA) of 10.5 meters (34 feet), it offers a balanced mix of performance and comfort, making it ideal for both couples and small families.
At the time of its release, the Oceanis 350 catered to the growing demand for spacious, yet manageable yachts that could handle extended offshore cruises. Over the years, this model has gained popularity in the used boat market, particularly among cruisers, charter companies, and private owners looking for a reliable and affordable vessel. It’s well-regarded for its sturdy construction, decent performance, and comfortable interior layout, making it a solid option in the second-hand market.
Design and Construction
The design of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 is a classic example of late 20th-century French yacht-building philosophy. The hull is crafted from solid fiberglass, with a moderate beam that strikes a balance between stability and agility. The boat’s traditional fin keel offers good upwind performance, and the spade rudder provides precise control in various sea conditions.
As for the rig, the Oceanis 350 uses a fractional sloop, a choice that enhances both sailing efficiency and ease of handling, especially with a small crew. The mast is set further forward, which allows for a larger headsail and better downwind performance. The construction quality is robust, with Beneteau’s attention to detail evident in the build, ensuring a long lifespan with proper maintenance.
The overall design emphasizes comfort without sacrificing sailing performance, making it an excellent choice for cruising in a range of conditions. This balance means lower long-term maintenance costs due to the reliability of its construction materials and design features.
Performance
On the water, the Beneteau Oceanis 350 is known for being a stable, dependable performer. It handles both light winds and heavier conditions with ease, providing a comfortable and relatively fast ride. The boat can achieve respectable speeds, even when the wind is less than ideal. Its hull design allows it to remain steady in choppy waters, making it an excellent choice for both short coastal trips and longer offshore journeys.
When it comes to windward performance, the Oceanis 350 demonstrates solid upwind capabilities, especially considering the relatively modest rig height. In comparison to other cruising sailboats of a similar age and size, it holds up well, offering a good balance between speed and comfort.
Among sailors, this model is respected for its ease of handling, particularly when sailing short-handed. Its ability to maintain a stable course without excessive heeling even in moderate winds is one of its key selling points.
Comfort and Accommodations
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 350 excels in providing a comfortable, spacious environment for cruising. The interior layout is intelligently designed, with two private cabins and a convertible saloon that can accommodate up to 6 people. There’s ample storage space for provisions and gear, and the galley is well-equipped, making it suitable for longer voyages.
The boat’s interior features a modern, functional design with plenty of natural light and ventilation, which ensures a pleasant living environment even during extended periods aboard. The saloon is spacious, with comfortable seating, and the headroom is generous for a boat of this size.
While it’s not a luxurious yacht, it is well-suited for long-term cruising, offering a good balance between comfort and practicality. The interior generally ages well, though some boats on the second-hand market may have undergone upgrades or remodels.
Safety and Practicality
The Beneteau Oceanis 350 is built with safety in mind, featuring wide side decks, a solid handrail, and a large, stable cockpit. The deck layout makes it easy for a small crew to move around even in rough weather. Its deep cockpit and secure guardrails ensure safety, particularly when the boat is in motion.
The yacht is highly practical, with easily accessible systems and components that make maintenance simpler, even for first-time boat owners. The engine and other critical components are well-positioned for repairs, which helps to minimize long-term ownership costs. The boat’s ability to handle both coastal and offshore conditions without the need for significant modifications makes it an attractive option for a wide range of sailors.
Known Issues with the Beneteau Oceanis 350
As with many boats of its age, the Beneteau Oceanis 350 may experience some typical wear and tear. Issues like osmotic blistering, particularly on older models, can be a concern, though this is not a universal problem. Some owners have reported issues with the electrical systems, particularly older wiring and aging electronics. Regular maintenance and inspection can help mitigate these issues.
A common recommendation for owners is to upgrade the electronics to more modern systems, as well as check and replace any worn-out sails. While not a major issue, some boats may also experience minor leaks in the deck fittings or around the hatches, particularly if the seals have not been properly maintained.
Market Availability and Pricing in the U.S.
The Beneteau Oceanis 350 is no longer in production, but it remains a popular choice in the second-hand market, particularly in coastal areas like Florida, California, and the Pacific Northwest. It’s typically found in good condition, with many models having been well-maintained or refurbished over the years. However, some former charter boats may show more signs of wear and require some restoration.
In the U.S. market, the typical price range for a Beneteau Oceanis 350 is between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on its condition, age, and upgrades. This price is competitive when compared to other similar models in the same size range.
Here is a comparison of similar boats that are also popular in the second-hand market:
| Model | LOA | Year | Used Price (USD) | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneteau Oceanis 350 | 34.5 ft | 1986-1993 | $30,000–$50,000 | Great stability, reliable performance for coastal and offshore use |
| Catalina 34 | 33.5 ft | 1986–1994 | $35,000–$50,000 | More spacious interior, slightly less performance under windward |
| Hunter 35.5 | 35.5 ft | 1986–1993 | $28,000–$45,000 | More modern interior design, but slightly heavier and slower |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 34 | 34.0 ft | 1990–1995 | $32,000–$48,000 | European design, slightly more agile, better resale value |
Conclusion
The Beneteau Oceanis 350 is a well-rounded cruising sailboat that offers an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. It’s a solid choice for sailors looking for a reliable vessel for coastal cruising or long-term voyages, particularly if you’re seeking something affordable in the second-hand market. While it’s not the fastest or most luxurious boat in its class, it is a dependable and comfortable option for cruising and living aboard.
For anyone considering purchasing an Oceanis 350, it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re seeking an affordable, well-built cruiser. The market for second-hand boats is strong, with good resale value, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a solid boat at a reasonable price.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA | 33.83 ft / 10.31 m |
| LWL | 29.83 ft / 9.09 m |
| Beam | 11.25 ft / 3.43 m |
| Draft (Max) | 5.16 ft / 1.57 m |
| Displacement | 10,582 lb / 4,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,540 lb / 1,606 kg |
| Ballast Type | Iron |
| Construction | Fiberglass (FG) |
| First Built | 1986 |
| Last Built | 1993 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Philippe Briand |
| Aux. Power (original) | Volvo 2003 Diesel, 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 gals / 76 L |
| Water Capacity | 80 gals / 303 L |
| Sail Area (reported) | 471 ft² / 43.76 m² |
| S.A. Fore | 265.41 ft² / 24.66 m² |
| S.A. Main | 205.26 ft² / 19.07 m² |
| S.A. Total | 470.67 ft² / 43.73 m² |
| I / J / P / E | I: 41.47 ft J: 12.80 ft P: 35.76 ft E: 11.48 ft |
| Forestay Length (est.) | 43.40 ft / 13.23 m |
| S.A. / Displ. | 15.69 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 33.45 |
| Displ. / LWL | 177.98 |
| Comfort Ratio | 20.98 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.05 |
| S# | 2.80 |
| Hull Speed | 7.32 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,199.09 lb/in |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Oceanis 350 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.