Beneteau Boats: History and Models

Beneteau is the world's largest sailboat manufacturer and a name synonymous with cruising yachts. Founded in 1884, the company has built over 100,000 boats and operates production facilities in France, the United States, and China. With 744 Beneteau listings on Owning.pro — ranging from $9,718 to $1,990,000 with a median of $179,500 — Beneteau is one of the most represented brands in our inventory. This guide covers the company's history, model lines, and what to look for when buying a Beneteau.

Beneteau: 140 Years of Boat Building

Benjamin Bénéteau founded the company in 1884 in Croix-Vie (now Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie), a small fishing village on the French Atlantic coast. He started by building fishing boats and sailing trawlers. The company remained a small family business until the 1960s, when Annette Bénéteau (Benjamin's granddaughter) and her husband André transformed it into a modern production boat builder.

In 1964, Beneteau introduced the "Cornu" — one of the first fibreglass production sailboats in Europe. This marked the beginning of Beneteau's transition from traditional wooden fishing boats to modern GRP cruising yachts. By the 1980s, Beneteau had become Europe's largest sailboat manufacturer, a position it has held ever since.

In 1992, Beneteau acquired Jeanneau, creating the Groupe Beneteau — the world's largest recreational boat manufacturing group. Today, Groupe Beneteau also owns Prestige, Monte Carlo, Lagoon (catamarans), and Excess. The company is publicly traded on the Paris stock exchange.

Beneteau Sailboat Model Lines

Oceanis (31–51 ft) — Cruising Sailboats

The Oceanis line is Beneteau's flagship cruising range and the best-selling cruising sailboat line in the world. Models include the Oceanis 30.1, 31.1, 34.1, 37.1, 40.1, 41.1, 46.1, and 51.1. Known for spacious interiors, easy handling, and comfortable cruising. A used Oceanis 40 costs $120,000–$200,000; a new Oceanis 51.1 costs $350,000–$450,000.

First (20–53 ft) — Performance Sailboats

The First line is Beneteau's performance cruiser range, designed for sailors who want speed without sacrificing comfort. The First 53 won European Yacht of the Year. A used First 40 costs $150,000–$250,000.

Beneteau Motorboat Model Lines

Antares (8–12 m) — Motor Cruisers

The Antares line is Beneteau's motor cruiser range. Models include the Antares 8, 9, 11, and 12. Known for efficient hulls, comfortable accommodation, and excellent value. A used Antares 9 costs $80,000–$130,000; a new Antares 12 costs $250,000–$350,000.

Swift Trawler (34–52 ft) — Trawlers

The Swift Trawler line brings trawler-style cruising to the production market. Models include the Swift Trawler 34, 41, 44, and 52. Known for long-range capability, efficient fuel consumption, and comfortable liveaboard accommodation. A used Swift Trawler 34 costs $200,000–$300,000; a new Swift Trawler 52 costs $600,000–$800,000.

Gran Turismo (32–45 ft) — Sport Cruisers

The Gran Turismo line is Beneteau's sport cruiser range, featuring planning hulls and powerful engines for fast, stylish cruising. A used GT 40 costs $200,000–$300,000.

Beneteau Price Ranges

Based on 744 Beneteau listings on Owning.pro (July 2026):

• Lowest price: $9,718 (small used sailboat)
• Highest price: $1,990,000 (large Swift Trawler or Oceanis)
• Median price: $179,500

Beneteau occupies the mid-range of the production sailboat market — more expensive than Bavaria but more affordable than premium brands like Hallberg-Rassy or Oyster. This positioning makes Beneteau the default choice for many cruising sailors.

What Makes Beneteau Different?

• Scale: As the world's largest sailboat manufacturer, Beneteau benefits from economies of scale, keeping prices competitive.
• Dealer network: Beneteau has the largest global dealer network, making service and parts easy to find worldwide.
• Resale value: Beneteau's popularity ensures strong demand on the used market. The Oceanis line in particular holds value well.
• Innovation: Beneteau was an early adopter of fold-down transoms, asymmetric chines, and electric propulsion options.

What to Check When Buying a Used Beneteau

• Hull-to-deck joint: Beneteau uses a bonded joint on most models. Check for signs of movement or leaks.
• Keel: Cast iron keels on older models can rust. Check keel bolts and the keel-to-hull joint.
• Saildrive: Many Beneteaus use Volvo Penta Saildrive. Check the rubber seal (replaced every 7 years, $1,500–$2,500).
• Mast step: Check for compression or deformation at the mast step, which can indicate structural issues.

For a complete buyer's checklist, read our Beneteau buyer's guide.

Where to Find Beneteau Boats for Sale

Browse Beneteau boats for sale on Owning.pro. Our inventory includes Oceanis, Antares, Swift Trawler, and Gran Turismo models from across Europe, the US, and beyond. Filter by model, year, price, and location.

Conclusion

Beneteau's 140-year history, global dealer network, and massive model range make it the default choice for cruising sailors worldwide. With a median price of $179,500 and models from $9,718 to $1.99M, there is a Beneteau for every budget and use case. Start your search on Owning.pro.