Independent guide: Yacht Rigger Australia is not affiliated with Beneteau. Rigs vary between models and model years; your owner's manual and a rigger's inspection are the authority for your boat.

Quick answer

Beneteau is one of the most common production yacht brands in Australian marinas and charter fleets. Most are cruising sloops from the Oceanis range, with performance models in the First range. Typical features include aluminium masts from a major European spar maker, headsail furlers, frequently in-mast furling mainsails on cruising models, and on many recent models swept-back spreaders. Service priorities are rig age, furler and in-mast systems, chainplates and deck fittings, and mast-base and step condition.

Typical Beneteau rig features

Feature Common on What it means for servicing
Headsail furler Almost all cruising models Forestay hidden inside the foil — see furler service
In-mast furling main Many Oceanis boats Mechanism, sail fit and technique matter — see in-mast furling
Slab-reefed main with lazy-bag Many boats, especially newer or performance-oriented Reefing lines and lazy-jacks wear
Swept-back spreaders Many recent models Shrouds carry fore-and-aft loads; chainplates are critical
Lines led aft Most models Clutches and deck organisers wear lines
1x19 stainless wire Most cruising boats Standard ten-year review cycle

Where to look first

  1. Forestay and furler. The stay is hidden; if its age is unknown, plan to replace it with the rest of the rig.
  2. Chainplates and deck fittings. Check for leaks and staining where shrouds come through the deck.
  3. In-mast furling (if fitted). Check the foil, bearings, furling line and the mast slot for wear.
  4. Mast base and step. On keel-stepped boats, the step can collect bilge water; on deck-stepped boats, check the support structure below.
  5. Spreaders. Check tips, boots and root fittings.
  6. Running rigging. Lines led aft pass through several clutches and turning blocks.

Beneteau First models

First models are set up to race and cruise, often with fractional rigs, adjustable backstays and sometimes rod or compact-strand rigging on higher-performance boats. Treat them like cruiser-racers: more frequent tuning checks and running-rigging wear.

Charter Beneteaus

Ex-charter Beneteaus are common on the Australian second-hand market. They have usually seen heavy use of furlers, winches and reefing systems. On purchase, ask for rigging records and consider a pre-purchase rig inspection. See also charter yacht rigging.

Services Beneteau owners often need

Beneteau and Jeanneau belong to the same group and share many approaches. See also Lagoon catamarans from the same group.

Costs

Most Oceanis boats in Australia are between about 30 and 50 feet. See re-rig costs for a 35-foot, 40-foot and 45-foot yacht.

Frequently asked questions

When should a Beneteau Oceanis be re-rigged?

Like most production cruisers with stainless wire rigging, a Beneteau Oceanis is commonly reviewed for re-rigging at around ten years, sooner if used offshore or in tropical waters, or if an inspection finds damage. Rig age records and your insurer's requirements should guide the timing.

Do Beneteau yachts have swept-back spreaders?

Many recent Beneteau models use swept-back spreaders, which means the shrouds help support the mast fore-and-aft as well as sideways. On these boats shroud tension and chainplate condition are particularly important. Older models vary, so check your specific boat.

Can I convert my Beneteau from in-mast furling to a slab-reefed mainsail?

It is possible but usually means a new mast section or significant mast work, a new mainsail, boom and reefing systems. Most owners who want better performance first make sure the in-mast system and sail are in good condition before considering a conversion.