Galion (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau Galion commenced production in 1966, marking its place among the first generation of fiberglass recreational sailboats offered by the esteemed French builder. At this time, Beneteau was undergoing a significant transformation, led by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons, André and François, who spearheaded the company's shift from traditional wooden fishing vessels to innovative fiberglass construction. The Galion, alongside other small models of its era such as the Guppy and Forban, exemplified Beneteau's commitment to exploring new possibilities beyond the traditional fishing fleet and catering to a burgeoning leisure market. 5, 7, 9, Builder Article

André Bénéteau's design philosophy for the Galion focused on creating a robust and adaptable craft. The boat was specifically designed for "a number of uses," including both recreational sailing and fishing, reflecting a pragmatic approach to boat ownership prevalent in the 1960s. During its production run, the Galion was notably offered in two distinct models: a "roof" version and a "decked" version, providing options for different user preferences and levels of shelter.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 15.75 feet and a waterline length of 14.11 feet, the Beneteau Galion is a compact vessel designed for enjoyable, straightforward sailing. Its hull features a traditional long keel, which contributes to excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion, particularly in choppy conditions. The Galion is rigged as a fractional sloop, a configuration known for offering good sail control and ease of handling, especially for single-handed or novice sailors.

Complementing its long keel is a transom-hung rudder, providing direct and responsive steering. Owners and enthusiasts often describe the Galion as a safe and easy-to-maneuver boat, a characteristic well-suited to its intended purpose as a family cruiser or fishing platform. While its displacement of 1,323 pounds and modest sail area of 168 square feet suggest a leisurely pace, its calculated hull speed of approximately 5.03 knots indicates it can make respectable progress in a fair breeze. Given its small size, traditional performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement are not typically applied to describe its sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its compact dimensions of just under 16 feet, the Beneteau Galion offers very basic accommodations, primarily serving as a day sailer or a minimalist weekender. The indicates that there is no specified maximum headroom, which is typical for boats of this size, suggesting a limited enclosed volume. The availability of both "roof" and "decked" models implies varying levels of interior shelter. The "decked" version would likely offer minimal internal space, possibly just a small storage area or a very shallow cuddy. The "roof" model, on the other hand, would feature a more defined cabin structure, albeit a small one. This cabin would typically provide simple shelter from the elements, possibly with enough space for one or two persons to sit, or for very basic overnight stays. Detailed interior layouts or descriptions of materials used are not widely available, but consistent with vessels of its era and size, one would expect a simple, functional finish with minimal amenities.