Oceanis 30.1 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 began its production in 2019, representing a contemporary evolution within Beneteau's popular Oceanis cruising line. The builder, Beneteau, draws upon a rich heritage dating back to 1884, evolving from a builder of robust wooden fishing trawlers to a global leader in fiberglass recreational boats. This transition, notably from the 1960s onward, allowed Beneteau to embrace efficient production methods and design freedoms offered by fiberglass, creating yachts appealing to a growing leisure market. The Oceanis 30.1 is manufactured at Beneteau's Polish facility, a strategic choice aimed at optimizing costs without compromising the brand's commitment to quality.

The design of the Oceanis 30.1 is a collaboration between Finot-Conq Architects for the naval architecture and Nauta Design for the interior and exterior. Pascal Conq, known for his expertise in designing perfectly balanced and seaworthy boats, applied advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies to optimize the hull for enhanced stability. The result is a modern hard-chine hull form with a distinct stemhead and well-proportioned lines, giving the boat the appearance of a much larger yacht.

A key aspect of the Oceanis 30.1's versatility is its range of keel options. Beyond the standard bulb keel, Beneteau offers a shallow draft keel (4.25 ft), a swing keel (3.08-7.67 ft), and a lifting keel version, which, when combined with a rotating mast, allows the cruiser to navigate canals and rivers., 9, 12, 18] Sail plan variations include a standard square-top main with a self-tacking jib, an optional furling main, and an optional 105% Genoa, catering to different sailing preferences and levels of experience. The standard engine is a 14 HP Yanmar, though models built for the USA market are typically equipped with a more robust 21 HP engine.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 is celebrated for its impressive sailing performance and straightforward handling, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. Its design, featuring a lighter displacement hull and twin rudders, contributes to responsive steering and excellent stability even in challenging conditions. The hull's optimization via CFD studies by Finot-Conq ensures a stable platform under sail.

With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.7, the Oceanis 30.1 presents as a moderate cruiser, yet reviews consistently highlight its surprising agility and performance in light winds. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 172 classifies it as a light to moderate displacement vessel, underscoring its ability to be "impressively fun under sail" and achieve good speed. While its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of around 24.3% is on the lower side, the twin rudders and optimized hull form effectively compensate, providing the reported stability and allowing the boat to "cope with a blow." Owners praise the boat's balance and good wheel feedback, noting that it never feels stressed, even when pressed hard on the wind. Its design prioritizes simplicity and accessibility, allowing for easy single-handed or short-handed sailing with features like a self-tacking jib and single winch.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 is thoughtfully designed to maximize interior volume and comfort, making it feel "oh so big" inside. The interior, styled by Nauta Design, features clever furniture arrangements and low cabin soles, contributing to an impressive maximum headroom of 6.08 feet (1.98 meters) throughout the main living areas.

The standard layout typically includes two cabins and one head, providing comfortable accommodation for four people, with the salon benches offering additional berths for two more. Upon descending the gently sloping companionway, one finds an L-shaped galley, which, despite its compact nature, provides essential amenities. While storage in the salon and galley might be a challenge, the overall interior finish, often featuring a Sand Oak Alpi treatment, reflects Beneteau's commitment to quality and contemporary styling. The head compartment is notably spacious for a boat of this size, exceeding expectations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, even in a seaway. Many first-time boat owners have found the 30.1 to be an ideal choice, appreciating its manageable size, ease of handling, and the simple, fun sailing experience it provides. The ability to trailer the boat by road (with specific keel and mast options) without requiring an extra-wide load is a significant advantage highlighted by owners, expanding its cruising grounds to include canals and rivers. The responsive steering and excellent stability provided by the twin rudders are consistently cited as key strengths, contributing to a sense of confidence and enjoyment on the water.