Beneteau Oceanis 361 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Conceived for easy, comfortable coastal and blue-water cruising rather than outright speed, the 361 combines manageable sailing with a practical, sociable interior.

Design and Construction

The Oceanis 361 is just over 36 feet long, with a waterline length of 31.1 feet and a beam of 12.5 feet. Displacement is near 12,800 pounds, including about 4,150 pounds of iron ballast.

The solid-fiberglass hull and deck are paired with clearly labelled wiring and hoses, which ease later systems work. The boat combines straightforward handling, a well-planned interior, and the quality of finish expected of a Beneteau Oceanis.

Although built for cruising rather than fast sailing, the same review considers her overall performance good and describes her as an excellent example of what a 36-foot cruiser can do under sail or power.

Rig, Sailing, and Handling

Under way, the 361 feels balanced and responsive whatever the conditions. Her balance and smooth motoring have won many friends among blue-water enthusiasts.

Two people can handle her in moderate to bad weather. The sail controls are basic but sufficient for cruising, and the single-winch arrangement serves everything except the two headsail sheets. It’s efficient, though the sequencing takes a little practice. Self-tailing genoa winches, foot braces, and a console-mounted throttle are all within easy reach of the helm, where visibility is good.

The boat is generally easy to manoeuvre, but the pronounced prop walk takes some getting used to and can present a challenge in stronger winds. In light air, speed suffers from the furling rig and shallow draft.

Cockpit and Deck

A foldaway cockpit table and walk-through transom make boarding and cockpit movement easier. The anchoring arrangement works well with the optional electric windlass.

There are some ergonomic shortcomings. The side decks are narrow, and the lack of cabin-top handholds forward of the mast can be irritating. The cabin-top mainsheet is out of reach from the helm, so another crew member must assist.

Accommodations

Both the standard two-cabin layout and the optional three-cabin version work well. The boat has room for four and berths for six to eight, depending on the configuration.

The separate galley is the interior’s showpiece. It is U- or L-shaped, depending on the version, and offers generous dry and refrigerated stowage, good counter space, and a cherry-stained mahogany finish. Because it sits away from the main thoroughfare, crew can move around the boat without passing through the working galley.

The large saloon seats four to six around its table and is well suited to entertaining. A forward-facing navigation station provides an additional seat in this spacious area. The generous head enclosure includes a separate walk-in shower with a slatted teak seat.

The forward double is a little compact but sleeps two adults. The aft cabin offers good space and hanging storage, though wave slap may disturb light sleepers. Natural light and ventilation are good throughout, giving the accommodation a spacious, airy feel.

Systems, Engine, and Ownership

Swing-up companionway steps provide easy engine access. The 27-horsepower Volvo Penta MD2030 is adequate for a boat of this size under power.

The 20-gallon fuel tank and 275 amp-hour battery bank are arguably small for true blue-water use. The optional microwave and pressurised hot and cold water are useful in berth.

Several owners have reported minor defects in materials and assembly. These include weak seals, corroded interior switches, and below-par gelcoat on components such as the step-through seating.

The Verdict

The Oceanis 361 is a considered, comfortable cruiser that trades outright pace for balance, easy handling, and a genuinely sociable interior. She suits a couple or family moving into blue-water-capable coastal cruising without a large crew.

Pros