BOAT OWNERS REVIEW
1996
Beneteau 42s7 By Dick Dixon Photos by Dick Dixon unless noted otherwise. LOA LWL Beam Draft (shoal) Displacement Ballast (shoal) Sail area (cruise)
42’ 6” 35’ 9” 13’ 6” 7’ 7” (5’11”) 18,220 pounds 6,283 pounds (5,840 pounds) 771 square feet
I
Photo by Ron Dudeck
LED LIGHTS
n June 2012, I became the proud owner of a Beneteau First 42s7, a performance cruiser designed by Bruce Farr. Built in Beneteau’s Marion, SC, facility in 1996, this thoroughbred sailboat was cruised and raced by the original owner in the Bahamas and Florida. After a few years, the sailboat was sold to a south Alabama gentleman who participated in regattas from Mobile to Miami to the Bahamas. After years of campaigning, this owner chose to retire to a trawler where headsail and spinnaker changes were non-existent. Because the Beneteau sat idle for two years and reportedly was struck by lightning, I hired renowned yacht surveyor Lee Creekmore to perform a survey prior to the purchase. Lee’s investigation determined the hull and rigging to be intact with no structural issues or concerns. Lee confirmed loss of electrical systems including the VHF radio, depth, speed, autopilot, radar, and wind instruments. Both Lee and I were extremely pleased with the sailboat’s overall condition including interior woodwork, cushions, safety items, engine, and hull and deck condition. Of particular interest was the boat’s extensive and impressive sail inventory, all manufactured by UK Halsey, a premier sailmaker. Along with two Dacron sails, the Beneteau’s inventory
Drop in replacements for Beneteau, Catalina & Hunter ceiling, reading and navigation lights Full product information at
www.cruisingsolutions.com
COST EFFECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR LIFE UNDER SAIL
800-460-7456 36
May 2013
SOUTHWINDS
Contoured for comfort, the cockpit provides seating for up to seven, two of which can rest on seats mounted opposite one another on the stern pulpits. Photo by Harry Joe Schwab. www.southwindsmagazine.com