58′ Beneteau Oceanis

Source: Kevin Green, Boatpoint Magazine

Over 50s – The big European yacht manufacturers have all recently released cruising yachts over 50ft. We decided to get them all together and test them back-to-back. Over the next few weeks we’ll be rolling them out so you can see what our testers thought and be able to compare them for yourself.

Likes
Innovative design
Sugar scoop multi-use stern platform
High capacity tankage

Dislikes
Undersized foot supports at helm
Lack of grab rails in saloon
Needs four-burner stove

OVERVIEW
— One of the biggest!
One of the largest production yachts currently being built, at 60ft, the Oceanis 58 is an imposing vessel with the kind of option list found on much more expensive custom-built vessels. But as the largest yacht producer in the world the French company is able to use economies of scale to build a competitively-priced boat capable of taking you around the world, and to do it in style. From the drawing board of famed naval architects Berret Racoupeau a high-volume hull was designed that maximised deck space, using novel ideas such as large sugar scoop transom rather than the in-vogue dinghy garages used by competitors, yet the 58 has remained true to the Oceanis philosophy by delivering a cost-effective cruiser that can be easily sailed. To this remit was added the interior design flair of Nauta Design that has resulted in maximum use of below-deck space so that even a crew of 10 wouldn’t feel a crowd.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
— Plenty standard but lots of options
As you’d expect from the premium boat in the Oceanis range that comprises nine models ranging from 31 to 58 feet, the level of equipment available on the 58 is extensive. This includes 12v and 24v power as well as 230v circuitry; and an innovative VW engine with twin alternators, to name just a few stand-out items. What this means is that the base price of $800,000 can just be the starting point, but some items are advisable such as the 24v Max Power bow thruster, electric Harken H46.2 winch and for short-handed sailing, the Selden in-mast mainsail reefing. With a boat of this size, sail handling can be challenge unless you enjoy inviting six of your best friends every time you leave the dock, so other nice options may include powered headsail reefing and a snuffer sock on the optional asymmetric kite.

Powering all the gear is a newly designed 140hp VW engine, a five-cylinder turbocharged unit with two meaty 12v and 24v alternators attached. The VW offers a better power-to-weight ratio than some traditional marine brands and on the test sail it was one of the quietest engines I’ve used and had little vibration felt throughout the hull.

For the skipper there are twin helms with Raymarine ST70 instruments angled upwards for easy viewing on compact binnacles with power controls, including thruster buttons, on starboard side. Beside the helms are the large Harken H70.2 primary winches, nearby the forward mainsheet winch, so both can be controlled by the steerer.

Between the helms, the swivelling Raymarine C140W chartplotter sits on a sturdy elongated teak table with strong stainless grab rails all around and deep locker space within, plus fold-out wings. A roomy stern locker makes up for the lack of dinghy garage and sitting nearby is the slot on the cockpit sole  for the emergency steering fitting, a tiller,  which is accessible in the adjoining locker.

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION
— Room for all the crew
Entering the saloon through the innovative plexiglass curved hatch cover reveals a vast interior with U-shaped portside galley, spacious navigation area to starboard, adjoining a dinette area that can sit 10 crew. Good features here include the bench seat that doubles as a coffee table and the portside lounge also can have an armrest cum table. Abundant natural light comes from sunroofs at the back and middle of the high coachroof. However, not abundant are grabrails, something advisable in such a cavernous interior.

Galley features include a flexihose tap and dishwasher slot as well as soft-touch closing cupboards. Refrigeration space is good with a full-size 110-litre front-opening unit, freezer and 100-litre ice box; all on 24v power. Cooker facilities could be better, with a three-burner cooktop offered but 10 crew merits a four-burner I think.

Beneteau correctly describe the navigation table as a ‘desk’ due its large size and surrounding it is plenty of bulkhead space, which housed the Raymarine C120 plotter on the review boat and a comprehensive brushed-stainless control panel which could be a busy unit if some of the nice-to-have options are fitted such as watermaker, generator and air-conditioner.

Layout options are for three or four cabins, with the triple setup giving a luxurious owner’s suite up forward and two double cabins aft, including two singles. The island bed in the owner’s suite cleverly hinges up on gas struts to reveal lots of storage space, and nearby the vanity table opens to reveal a large mirror with plenty of room for personal items. Both stern cabins have water views thanks to tinted transom windows that open up onto the sugar scoop and headroom is good, as is overhead locker space.

The dark wood Mahogany Alpi trim throughout the Oceanis 58 is smoothly finished and push-button chromed latches on the myriad of lockers should ensure gear remains stowed away. Ablutions should be easy as well, with up to five toilets offered with electric options. This includes a toilet in the optional crew bow quarters, accessed via a large deck hatch, which is also an ideal hideaway for teenagers who may want private space. It can have a two-bunk setup, hanging-locker space and sink.

Other factory options include an electric pop-up flat screen TV and even electric blinds, to complement the powered washboards on the wide companionway. The use of LED lighting throughout requires less power but dimmer switches would have been nice.

MECHANICAL, HULL AND RIG
— plenty of sail options
The keel-stepped three-spreader rig with inboard shrouds and twin backstays offers several sail configurations. In-mast reefing would be preferred over slab reefing for this size of boat, so the optional Selden in-mast is advisable. Upgrading the Dacron sails to higher performance mylar taffeta tri-radial sails from Incidences Sails is another good cruising option. A major new feature to Beneteau is the fibreglass arch that houses the mainsheet blocks, cleverly avoiding clutter in the huge cockpit. Apart from the factory 120 per cent roller genoa, options include asymmetrics, a code-0 and, useful for serious cruising sailors, a staysail setup.

The new arch also acts as a roof strut for the bimini tent which closes off the entire cockpit area. Hull construction is monolithic polyester with a balsa cored deck. Its wide beam is carried well back to generate more lift and allow for the spacious sugar-scoop stern. This is an accessible and very usable space — shower platform, fishing spot and quiet cocktail sundowner area — with three options for dinghy handling including a sliding track setup as part of the swim ladder. Below the water, a cast-iron keel, with shallow draft option, is fitted.

ON THE WATER
— User-friendly with style
Marinas can be a challenging place for yachts of this size and with a strong side wind the high-sided 22-tonnne hull cops a lot of windage, so use of the bow thruster was essential in getting out of Rushcutters Bay. But the effortless power from the 140HP VW pushed us easily along and increasing throttle had little effect on the feel of the helm. Keen to check out the handling under power, I slowed down then clicked the electronic throttle into reverse, which after some hesitation (due to its fly-by-wire controls) had us going backwards at a brisk pace but side-on to the 20kt breeze. However as the bow began to drop off, nudging the leeward thruster button kept us pleasingly straight.

Not wanting to waste the breeze, we hoisted the large mainsail quickly and with ease, thanks to wrapping the halyard on the big electric Harken cockpit winch, and with the 120 per cent genoa running out, we bore away up Sydney Harbour. With 58ft of waterline, tracking was understandably good as I acquainted myself with the standing steering position and sought a foothold on the cockpit sole but my deckshoes slipped over the inadequate teak fitting. However the cruising sailor would probably spend little time at the helm with the Raymarine autopilot doing the work instead.

But back in race mode, something the Oceanis 58 shouldn’t be shabby at, and thanks to a reasonable sail area to displacement ratio, we wound all the gear in and pointed high, managing 8.5 knots at 30 degrees to the 18kt wind — changing the fixed three-blade propeller for the optional Flexifold would improve these figures. Viewing the headsail telltales and even the mainsail  was tricky due to another cruising essential, the large bimini, which can seal off the entire cockpit when its zipped sides are attached, but the downside is an impaired the view of the sails. Hinging it shut would solve that problem. For the cruising couple sail handling should be fine, with primaries right beside the steerer and at a stretch the double-ended mainsheet winch buttons can be prodded as well. The latter was duly done as we prepared for a gybe and the big hull flicked round quickly. Not much more effort was needed for tacking as the tall rig stood up well in the strong breeze, though electric primaries may be another good option.

The steering felt positive, with enough sensation to give the helmsman some feedback yet the boat felt neutral with no weather or lee helm apparent. During tacks moving between helms was easy with no obstructions. With the afternoon coming to a close I hove-to as we dropped the mainsail into its lazy jacks and wound in the headsail. Crewman Tom climbed onto the boom to stow the mainsail in its bag but he looked miniscule as he perched on the spar, such was the size of the rig.

Despite being a boat designed for the far horizons the big Oceanis seemed quite at home both in the confined waters of Sydney Harbour and importantly the marina. Overall the 58 really does showcase the philosophy of Beneteau’s Oceanis range, rewarding owners with a very user-friendly boat to escape the madding crowd while having enough panache to do it with an easy style.

Comparable boats
Jeanneau 57 – a sister company to Beneteau, it has produced a highly specified cruising boat that offers many layout options, powerful VW engine and is the beginning of a new line of boats for Jenneau.
Hanse 545 – the evolution of the German builder’s earlier 540 model has the sleekest lines around with ultra low profile cabin, flush decks and unusual vertical windows in its cavernous hull.
Bavaria 55 – newly designed by esteemed racers Farr Yacht Design with spacious interior put together by BMW Designworks USA, the flagship cruiser is a major investment in the future for Bavaria.

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Mechanicals/Equipment/Rig, etc: 4.5/5.0
Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
On the water performance: 4.0/5.0
Value for money: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

Boat Specifications: 58′ Beneteau Oceanis

LOA: 18.24m
Hull length: 17.75m
LWL: 16.43m
Beam: 4.99m
Displacement: 21,658kg
Draught, shallow keel option: 2.10m
Draught, standard deep keel: 2.60m
Sail area, mainsail: 89sqm
Sail area, genoa (120%): 97.50sqm
Ratio sail area: displacement ratio (SAD): 24.4
Ratio displacement: LWL  (D/L): 136.1

Fuel: 1080L
Water: 1020L
Engine:  Volkswagen 140hp
Design: Berret Racoupeau