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Jeanneau and Beneteau, two of the biggest boat manufacturers, boast of some of the finest boats in the boating world today.
Before we proceed we want to state now that if you have the cash, then, by all means, you can opt for both brands as they are suited for different purposes, plus you can’t go wrong with either.
However, if you need a boat designed to meet a set of particular needs, or if, like us, you are simply inquisitive, then one question that must have crossed your mind is, “Which one should I choose?”
Here we’ll compare these two boating giants. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, the information we provide will answer your question and help you decide which brand suits you best.
What is the difference between Beneteau and Jeanneau?
Without dragging things, let’s see just how different these two boating companies are;
Build Quality
The build quality of a boat determines how well it will perform when out on the sea. Knowing this, we decided to see what people who’ve had the first experience can say about both boats.
After digging through several boating blogs and forums, we discovered that newer Jeanneau models feature more robust hulls than Beneteau, which is majorly possible because of the introduction of glassed-in stringers in their hulls.
When we compared this to the glued-in linear system used in Beneteau boats, we discovered that glass stringers are the more reliable choice when sailing under harsh weather conditions. So, it’s safe to say that Jeanneau wins this round.
Performance and comfort
Diving into the performance and comfort of these two boats, we’d like you to be fully aware that the beautiful bow section and hull design of the Jeanneau helps it cut through the deep blue without fuss.
This dramatically improves performance and creates a steady, firmer motion. Once the sails catch the wind, it rarely lets it go. This trapped wind is essential in driving the vessel forward.
On the other hand, Beneteau puts comfort first, with big roomier rooms and even a kitchen in some models.
Different models have lounge areas and can accommodate up to 8 people. This doesn’t mean that the Beneteau does not perform well in the open sea; it just seems like comfort is the priority here.
Materials
Regarding the different materials used in making these two sailing giants, we’d like you to know that Beneteau uses a balsa core and resin for the hull. The balsa core used reduces the quantity of needed resin significantly while also maintaining the desired structural integrity of the boat.
Additionally, the balsa core and resin pairing reduces the boat’s overall weight and improves its speed. This translates to better sailing, and over time, this balsa core has become infamous for its insulating, lightweight, noise reduction, and high resistance properties.
Still, on the materials used in constructing Beneteau boats, we discovered that the company prefers Alpi wood which is known for its compatibility with timber products used offshore.
Unlike Beneteau with the balsa and resin, modern Jeanneau boats are built through the vacuum resin infusion molding process, a technique that guarantees weight control. Instead of wood, fiberglass is used. They’ve stuck to using fiberglass to make boats for over 50 years.
Read Next: How To Remove Yellow Stains from a Fiberglass Boat
Features
Now, it’s time to take a look at some key features that distinguish Beneteau from Jeanneau. One feature that stands out in Beneteau boats is its Dock & Go System, which eliminates the need to guide your boat into the dock manually.
This novel creation solves the problem of controlling your boat in tight places. Instead of worrying about maneuvering, there is a joystick that coordinates the pivoting sail drive and bow thruster.
The competition, Jeanneau is also game when it comes to delivering mouth-watering features.
This brand teams up with the ZF Marine group to make a system similar to Beneteaus’. However, their version will allow you to direct the boat in any direction of your choosing; they don’t call it the “360 docking” for no reason.
Architects and Designers
Over the years, Beneteau has worked with several designers and architects. These professionals have aided in the production and creation of incredible innovations.
Even today, they continue to work with well-known designers and architects like Pierangelo Andreani, a designer and an architect, Robert Biscontini of BISCONTINI YACHT DESIGN, Jean Berret & Olivier Racoupeau, and several others.
The Beneteau boating group has also been able to keep up with boating architectural designs that are relevant today.
They have Daniel Andrieu, Vittorio Garroni, Marc Lombard, and Andrew Winch, all of whom are CEOs of their own architectural design companies. These people have been of immense help to the Beneteau group.
Warranty
For folks who opt for Jeanneau, peace of mind is guaranteed. The company offers a three-year international warranty to all its customers. This means you can go on a cruise wherever you choose and wouldn’t have to worry about breaching the warranty on your Jeanneau boats.
The company also has a 5-year warranty for hull blistering, partly due to its new resin material used for barrier coating.
Still, on Jeanneau, you’ll be pleased to know that this brand offers its customers a 7-year structure-only warranty. This warranty covers all deck and hull repairs. However, to claim this warranty, the technical services team must prove that it is a manufacturing defect.
Finally, here’s the best part of the Jeanneau warranty. Wait for it!
The warranty can be transferred to the next boat owner as long as the purchase is made within the boat’s warranty period.
With Beneteau boats, you also get two mouth-watering warranty packages. One of which is the 7-year warranty for structures and hulls, the second is a 3-year defective warranty.
A professional technician must verify that all warranty claims are the manufacturers’ fault, and these warranties start reading from the date you purchase your Beneteau boat from a verified retailer.
Conclusion
Having compared these boating giants, I guess it’s time we let you in on a little secret. Well, these two boat companies are owned by the same parent company.
So, to answer the question, Beneteau Vs. Jeanneau “Which one should I choose?”
We say your choice will be based on personal preference and needs. Beneteau boats are roomy and comfortable, perfect for relaxing when sailing not so far from shore. However, Jeanneau’s are designed and built to sail the open sea without any shred of timidity. So, over to you, which do you prefer?
PS: Interested in How to Rig a Sunfish Sailboat? Check out this blog here!
