Oceanis 350 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Embodying Beneteau's design philosophy of balancing performance, comfort, and affordability, the Oceanis 350 quickly gained a reputation as a sensible choice for those seeking a reliable and roomy vessel without the complexities of a dedicated racer. Her general reputation in the sailing community leans towards a forgiving and comfortable platform, capable of pleasant daysailing and limited coastal cruising.

History and Design

The Beneteau Oceanis 350 was in production from 1986 to 1993, representing a key period in Beneteau's evolution from traditional fishing boats to recreational fiberglass yachts. During this era, Beneteau, under the guidance of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons, had fully embraced fiberglass construction, a revolution that allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal. The Oceanis 350's creation aligns with Beneteau's commitment to producing well-built, thoughtfully designed yachts that were accessible to a growing leisure market, a hallmark of their collaborative efforts with renowned naval architects like Philippe Briand.

Philippe Briand, known for his innovative and performance-oriented designs, aimed to create an "easy to handle and without restriction" sailing boat with the Oceanis 350, offering a "new concept of happiness at sea" for families and sailors. Approximately 144 units were built in the United States, with additional production occurring in France, underscoring its widespread appeal. While primarily featuring a standard fin keel with a 5.16-foot draft, a shallow-draft wing keel version, drawing 4.16 feet (1.26 meters), was also available, catering to cruisers exploring shallower anchorages., 8, 23, 24] Interior variations included both two- and three-cabin layouts, with an "owner's stateroom aft model" that expanded one of the quarter cabins by eliminating another.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.62, the Beneteau Oceanis 350 is characterized as a moderate cruiser. This ratio suggests that while she offers reasonable performance, she may exhibit more lackluster performance in lighter winds due to her sail area relative to her displacement. However, her displacement-to-length ratio of around 178.06 positions her as a relatively light cruiser for her size, which can contribute to a more spirited performance than heavier traditional cruisers. The ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.33 indicates moderate stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind.

Owners generally describe the Oceanis 350 as a boat that balances well and offers a reasonably seakindly motion. Her balanced spade rudder contributes to improved handling characteristics. While designed for comfortable cruising, some owners have noted that the wide beam, while beneficial for interior volume, can make the boat feel "squirrelly" in certain conditions. Additionally, the bow may pound if encountering high waves directly. Overall, the Oceanis 350 is best suited for coastal cruising and recreational sailing, prioritizing comfort and ease of use over extreme performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 typically features an "archetypical French-style interior," which is largely oriented towards charter comfort. Layouts vary, offering either two or three cabins. A popular configuration includes an inviting aft cabin, which is a desirable feature for many owners.

Despite the generous interior volume, the ventilation within the cabin spaces of the Oceanis 350 is often cited as inadequate, primarily due to the presence of only one small deck hatch on the foredeck. Owners have also frequently reported an issue with the original foam-backed lining in the cabin interior, which tends to disintegrate over time, particularly after years of exposure to summer heat. Information regarding the general finish quality and specific materials largely comes from owner experiences, suggesting typical fiberglass construction with varying degrees of wood trim depending on the specific model year and customization. Owners looking at older models often note that some require significant renovation due to these common issues.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 generally commend its solid construction and its comfortable motion while underway, particularly in a seaway. The boat is widely appreciated as a comfortable daysailor and for limited cruising, balancing reasonable performance with roomy accommodations at an attractive price point. Many find the design striking, with its low-profile coachroof and wide, scooped transom.

However, common recurring issues highlighted by owners include the inadequate cabin ventilation due to limited hatches. The disintegration of the original foam-backed interior lining is a widespread problem on older models, often necessitating replacement. Some owners have also experienced issues with original deck fittings developing leaks, which typically require re-bedding, and there have been isolated reports of roller furler problems, though Beneteau has, in some instances, provided replacements even for older boats. Despite these common maintenance points, the Oceanis 350 continues to be a popular choice, particularly given its value in the used boat market.