Blue II (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

With its distinctive design and focus on relaxed cruising, the Blue II carved out a niche for sailors seeking a versatile and easily manageable multi-hull experience, marking Beneteau's ambition to explore new segments of the leisure market.

The Beneteau Blue II began its production run in 1985, emerging during a period of significant innovation for Beneteau as the company continued to embrace fiberglass construction and expand its recreational sailboat offerings. At this time, Beneteau, transitioning from its roots in fishing trawlers, was known for producing reliable, accessible boats that balanced performance with comfort. The Blue II was a notable departure for the French builder, being their "first (and only) catamaran".

Designed by Philippe Briand, the Blue II's philosophy centered on creating a catamaran that offered comfortable performance cruising. Briand's design aimed for a well-balanced vessel, emphasizing spaciousness and excellent sailing characteristics. Production of the Blue II was relatively limited, with estimates suggesting only 25 to 30 units were built over approximately three years. This limited run highlights its position as an experimental, yet successful, venture for Beneteau into the multihull world, reflecting the company's continuous evolution in naval architecture and manufacturing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Blue II is recognized for its capable and enjoyable sailing performance, offering a distinct experience characteristic of cruising catamarans. Despite its focus on comfort and spaciousness, the vessel is described as a "rather fun boat under sail" with "excellent sailing characteristics". Its design by Philippe Briand results in a well-balanced vessel, contributing to its manageability and appeal to sailing enthusiasts.

Anecdotal reports suggest that a well-canvassed Blue II can achieve impressive speeds, potentially touching over 18 knots downwind in a good breeze. This indicates a spirited performance capability that belies its cruising orientation. The twin-hull configuration and fractional sloop rig contribute to its stability and ease of handling, making it a reliable choice for various conditions and both short or long voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

As a catamaran, the Beneteau Blue II inherently offers a spaciousness that often surpasses monohulls of comparable length. The design prioritizes comfort and ample living areas, making it well-suited for family cruising. While specific detailed interior plans require direct review of individual boat listings or historical brochures, the general layout of a 34-foot cruising catamaran typically includes multiple private cabins, often with berths in each hull, and a generous main salon area situated across the bridge deck.

This bridge deck salon would commonly house a dinette, offering panoramic views, and a galley, providing substantial counter space and storage compared to monohull counterparts. Heads (bathrooms) are usually located in one or both hulls. The design likely incorporates a blend of functional fiberglass surfaces with practical wood trim, reflecting Beneteau's construction ethos of the era for durable and comfortable interiors. Storage capacity would be a significant advantage, distributed throughout the hulls and under seating areas, catering to the needs of cruisers for extended periods aboard. Ventilation would typically be provided by numerous hatches and ports, contributing to a bright and airy interior environment.