Escapade (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Beneteau Escapade in 1976 marks a significant period in Beneteau's history, as the company was actively embracing fiberglass construction to revolutionize boat manufacturing. Spearheaded by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons, André and François, this transition allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal beyond traditional fishing vessels, which had been the company's focus since its founding in 1884. The Escapade, with its production beginning in the mid-1970s, exemplifies this shift towards more accessible recreational sailboats. André Beneteau's design philosophy for the Escapade centered on creating a simple, economical, and seaworthy vessel, suitable for coastal cruising and family adventures. The specific duration of its production run is not extensively documented, but it was part of a generation of early fiberglass cruisers that helped define Beneteau's future direction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Escapade, with its robust build and long keel hull type, is characterized by a design prioritizing stability and a comfortable motion. Weighing in at 9,480 pounds displacement, with a length overall of 26.25 feet and a waterline length of 21.65 feet, the Escapade is considered a relatively heavy displacement vessel for its size. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 379.79 indicates it is a heavy, traditional cruiser, suggesting a comfortable ride in varied sea states rather than an emphasis on high-performance planing.

The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at 32.55%, with 3,086 pounds of ballast supporting its 9,480-pound displacement. This moderate ratio contributes to its described stiffness and good righting capability, allowing it to stand up to a breeze and offer a secure feel under sail. With a reported sail area of 277 square feet, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is around 14.12. While not indicative of a light-air speedster, this ratio suggests decent performance for a family cruiser, enabling smooth movement across various wind conditions. Owners and reviews frequently describe the Escapade as stable, stiff, and a "smooth mover at all speeds," suggesting its design provides a reliable and steady platform for cruising, even hinting at blue-water cruising capabilities for its class.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the 26.25-foot Beneteau Escapade are not widely publicized, boats of its size and era typically offered a functional layout optimized for coastal cruising families. The interior would likely feature a V-berth forward for sleeping, a main salon with settees that could convert into additional berths, a compact galley area for basic meal preparation, and a marine head. Given Beneteau's reputation for practical and comfortable accommodations, the Escapade's interior would have likely utilized durable, practical materials, possibly incorporating some wood trim to create a traditional marine ambiance. Storage would be pragmatic, with lockers and shelves designed to make the most of the available space, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights.