Beneteau 49 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau 49 was introduced in 2007, marking a significant entry into the larger cruising yacht market for the venerable French builder. Beneteau, with roots tracing back to 1884 as a builder of fishing boats, embraced fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a pivotal moment that allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal in the recreational sailing market. The company’s ethos during this era focused on balancing performance, comfort, and affordability, often collaborating with renowned naval architects.

For the Beneteau 49, the collaboration with Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design for the hull and deck, and Nauta Design for the interior, was central to its creation. Berret-Racoupeau's design philosophy for the 49 emphasized initial stability, efficient appendages, a manageable rig, and balanced helm, ensuring strong upwind and downwind performance and at-sea capability. Their goal was to modernize the yacht's profile and look while retaining classic Beneteau hallmarks such as abundant light, excellent ventilation, clean lines, and ease of movement both on deck and below. Nauta Design, known for their work on megayacht interiors, aimed to create a warm, bright, and welcoming atmosphere below deck, expertly compromising between stylishness and practical use at sea.

The Beneteau 49 was offered with an optional deep draft version, providing a draft of approximately 6.75 to 6.92 feet, in addition to the standard 5.75-foot keel. Furthermore, sailors could choose from three mast options: furling, classic, and a tall mast, catering to varying sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 49 is considered a sprightly performer, largely due to its modern underbody and powerful sail plan. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.07, she demonstrates good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of about 0.34 suggests a reasonable degree of stiffness and stability, contributing to a comfortable motion underway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio around 156 indicates a relatively light displacement for a yacht of her size, aligning with her described "sprightly" nature. The yacht has a hull speed of approximately 8.86 knots.

Reviewers and judges have consistently praised the Beneteau 49's handling characteristics, noting its stability and predictability. She is described as "stable and sure" and unlikely to surprise the helmsman with any quirks. The boat reportedly handles nicely even in moderate breezes and is acceptably nimble in lighter conditions. The deck layout is thoughtfully designed for shorthanded sailing, with primary winches conveniently located near the helm, allowing the helmsman to manage sail trim efficiently. Twin steering stations further enhance visibility and ease of handling, making the Beneteau 49 a joy to sail in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau 49, styled by Nauta Design, is characterized by warm wood finishes, ample natural light, and excellent ventilation, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere. The design prioritizes functional elegance, incorporating features such as Moabi hardwood cabinetry, stainless steel accents, and off-white surfaces.

The Beneteau 49 was available in two and three-cabin configurations. The popular two-cabin "owner's version" typically features a spacious forward master stateroom with an island double berth, a private ensuite head with a separate shower, and generous storage including hanging lockers and a dressing table. The main salon is expansive, designed with straight settees and a versatile saloon table that swivels and folds to accommodate dining for up to eight or to open up the living space. Good natural lighting is provided by numerous deck hatches, skylights, and fixed hull ports.

The L-shaped galley is located to port, equipped with a gimbaled three-burner stove and oven, front-opening refrigerator, top-opening freezer, and double stainless steel sinks positioned close to the centerline to minimize sloshing at sea. Ample storage solutions are integrated throughout the galley area. Opposite the galley to starboard is a well-appointed navigation station featuring a large chart table with space for modern electronics, and an unobstructed view forward.

Aft, the two-cabin layout includes a spacious guest cabin, often with a large double berth angled at 45 degrees, offering comfortable ingress and egress, along with hanging lockers and good ventilation from opening ports and hatches. This aft cabin typically has direct access to a second head, which also serves as a day head, complete with a shower. While the shower enclosure in the aft head has been noted by some as being a bit tight, overall the interior is praised for its livability and thoughtful design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 49 frequently laud its comfortable and well-appointed design, coupled with satisfying sailing performance. The yacht is often described as an "exceptional yacht" that offers excellent value. Many appreciate the spacious cockpit with its dual helm stations, making for easy handling, and the large swim platform for convenient water access. The teak wood interior and cabinetry are also commonly highlighted as attractive features.

While Beneteau yachts generally have a reputation for robust construction among production boats, some common issues noted across the broader Beneteau fleet (though not specifically disproportionately common on the 49) can include general wear and tear in interiors over time, potential leaks around older deck fittings or hatches, and occasional electrical issues, common to many production boats as they age. However, the Beneteau 49 specifically is noted for its well-organized topsides and straight interior lines which are well-received by owners. The overall sentiment indicates that the Beneteau 49 is a capable and comfortable cruiser, well-suited for families or couples embarking on extended voyages.