By John Armstrong

The Beneteau Oceanis 55 was unveiled at the Paris Boat Show in December 2012.  We had the pleasure of sailing the Oceanis 55 immediately following the North American debut at Strictly Sail – the Miami Boat Show in February.   Conceived by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design with its interior by Nauta Design, this is an elegant vessel, with modern clean lines.  It is bright, spacious and comfortable.   At 55 feet  LOA , 1431 square feet of  main and jib and 36800 lbs of displacement  this is a lot of boat; a lot of boat that was designed to be sailed comfortably by cruisers.  

What immediately struck us getting on board was the clear deck space.  All lines are led through covered channels.  There are no coach top lines or winches.   All surfaces are clear and lines are led aft to the rear of the cockpit.  All sheets, halyards, and travelers and furling lines lead to just forward of the twin helm stations.   Electric primary winches are positioned inboard (close to the centerline) keeping most of the trimming comfortably and safely in the middle of the cockpit.  Secondary winches are located outboard but still easily within reach of the helmsperson if sailing shorthanded.   Full instrumentation at each helm station provides easy and immediate access to information.   The mast is set back and the main and 105 %Genoa are almost equal in size to provide better balance and performance to the boat.  The composite arch provides boom-end sheeting for superior control of the main while keeping the main traveler out of the way of the cockpit.  The hull is designed with its chine carried fully aft to improve stability.   The twin rudders provide superior steering response compared to a single rudder even at a moderate heel.   Our boat had in mast main furling and genoa furling.  Deploying sails, as opposed to raising them, was an easy one person job.  We sailed the very shallow draft (4’9”) version of the Oceanis 55 in 15 knots of breeze and 5-8’ seas in absolute comfort  at 10 degrees of heel with about 25% of our genoa furled and a full main.  We effortlessly sailed in those seas at about 8 to 9 knots.  This boat was designed for cruising and the shallow draft allows this Oceanis 55 to go where boats 20 shorter can venture but the average 50 footer cannot.   The shallow waters of the Bahamas or some parts of the North Channel of Georgian Bay are easily accessible for this vessel.   Lower water levels on the Great Lakes are now a lesser concern.

Comfort is the hallmark of the Oceanis 55.  On deck there is a large roomy cockpit with plenty of seating.  On deck sun beds, cockpit cushion and backs make lounging comfortable.  The centre foldout cockpit table includes storage and a cool box.  The transom and helm seat combine using an electric lift system to form a water level platform with a very useable bathing ladder.  Wide decks and the shrouds positioned outboard to the rail allow for ease of mobility on deck.  A sail locker forward keeps the forward cabin uncluttered, clean and dry.

If the topside were impressive the interior has wow factor.  The clean lines of the cabinetry, extensive use of mahogany including, carefully placed mirrors, white cushions, and hatches, coach top lights and large fixed hull ports produce a bright, spacious and warm feel.  Salon headroom is 6’6”.   For layout selection there are several options; choose from 3 cabin 2 toilet, 3 cabin 3 toilet, 4 cabin 4 toilet, and 4 cabin 3 toilet + forepeak crew berth layouts.   The charter market is a definite target for the Oceanis 55.  Our Oceanis 55 was a 3-cabin layout with 2 toilets.  The two aft cabins each were complete with double beds, cupboards, shelves and a hanging locker.  Both have large fixed hull ports and opening deck and cockpit hatches.   Next forward to Starboard is a toilet with ample space with a separate shower.  To port is the u-shaped galley equipped with a microwave, 2 burner stove / oven, ice box and fridge, Kerrock countertop and moulded sink, and lots of storage space.  The main salon area has a 2 seat settee to port and outboard of that a hidden 32” flat screen TV.  To starboard is the salon table with u-shaped seating.  The aft section of the U pivots to provide seating for the adjacent Navigation table.   Optionally this salon table can be equipped to be another double berth.   The Hull and coach top side lights along with two deck hatches provide exceptional natural light into the salon.   Our layout included an optional wine cooler forward of the port settee.    

Finally to the forward state room as a description of the cabin really does not do it justice.   Beneteau has moved the forward berth aft by placing the sail locker / crew cabin in the forepeak.   This allows the traditional V-berth to have far more width.  Gone is the V.  The hexagonal island berth is 6’11” by 6’, no more playing early morning footsy with your partner.   The fore washroom and toilet are fully contained within this stateroom.  To port is the toilet and a basin with Kerrock counter.  To starboard is another basin and a fully enclosed shower.   Storage is plentiful in upper and lower cupboards, hanger closets and a 4 drawer chest of drawers.  The top of the chest of drawers incorporates a sliding top to act as a dressing table or desk with both a power socket and a mirror.   The removable seat has a floor fixing mechanism when under way.  Natural light is again provided through fixed hull ports, coach roof lights and 2 flush deck hatches.  

Whether a couple, a family, or a charter group, this boat will allow you to enjoy your time on the water in comfort and style.  The Beneteau Oceanis 55 has been designed for comfortable cruising.

Full Specifications:
LOA: 16,78 m - 55'1
Hull length: 15,99 m - 52'6''
Length waterline: 15,16 m - 49'9''
Hull beam: 4,96 m - 16'3''
Light displacement: 16 700 kg / 36,807 Lbs
Ballast weight: 5 298 - 4 390- 4 960 kg / 11,677 - 10 932 - 9,676 Lbs
Draft: 1,45 - 1,80 - 2,20 M / 4’9” - 5’11” - 7’3”
Fuel tank capacity: 400(S) + 200(O) L / 106(S) + 53(O) Gal
Fresh water capacity: 694(S) + 324(O) L / 183(S) + 86 )(O) Gal
Max Engine Power: SD 75CV - SD 75HP
Interior design: Nauta Design

Photo Captions:
Photo 1 - Beneteau has done it again with the new 55, well designed for very comfortable cruising and with the various configurations it can meet any Skippers and or family requirements.
Photo 2 - The cockpit like the rest of this magnificent boat is very practical and functional.

Related Articles

Thursday, 10 October 2013 10:59

As I left Toronto to join our flotilla in Tortola I must admit I had some sympathy, (not much mind you) at having to leave behind the other two Galley Guys, Andy Adams and Greg Nicoll whom both had...

Friday, 03 January 2014 15:49

The Beneteau Oceanis 38 claims more flexibility than seen before on this size of boat and a new way of looking at below decks, giving the boat an airy loft than a traditional cabin arrangement.

Thursday, 10 October 2013 15:45

Canadian Yachting Magazine was invited to be one of the first publications to test sail the Blue Jacket 40, the first in a new series of performance cruising sailboats designed by Tim Jackett in...

Tuesday, 20 August 2013 14:32

Catalina’s Gerry Douglas has spent a considerable time listening and bucking many trends. His boats have stood the test of time and his brand following is the envy of many builders globally. His...

Friday, 05 April 2013 10:30

The Hanse 415 is like lots of new production cruising boats in the 40-foot range. It has generous beam carried well aft, a big, comfortable cockpit, dual helms, a walk-through stern, and plumb bows....

Friday, 03 January 2014 10:56

I had the pleasure of running and reviewing the Swift 50 when I was in Annapolis last October; the boat was supplied by Beneteau America and was moored at Annapolis Yacht Sales.The French-built...

Regal LS36 Luxury Crossover

By Andy Adams

Regal Boats’ new LS36 is what we call a day boat. Regal says the LS36 merges their luxury yacht series with their bowrider series and the result is the LS36. This comfortable bowrider is perfect for cruising the lake or hosting friends and family for the day on the weekend.

We feel the styling deserves mention right off the top. This is a big boat at over 37-feet on an 11’7” beam but the clean and almost traditional lines give the LS36 a timeless sporty look that we think, really sets it apart. It’s a Yacht-certified vessel. I counted approximately 21 places for people to sit! You would probably never take a crowd that big but it can certainly handle a gang.

Read More

 

 

Dufour 37

By Zuzana Prochazka

Every few years, boat builders update their lines with refreshed designs and new features that eventually proliferate throughout their entire offering. Dufour Yachts is in mid-process of such an evolution as the builder changes up their line of sleek sailing cruisers.

One sign of this transformation is the naming convention that is morphing from triple-digit numbers ending with a zero, to simple double-digits that one would guess designates the LOA – more on this later. The latest model in the refresh is the Dufour 37 which replaces the previous Dufour 360. 

Read More

Destinations

  • Prev
I start every article, story or TV segment about boating out of the biggest city in Canada the same ...
Last summer Waterways TV debuted with host Steve Bull’s tour of Ontario. In this episode Parks ...
I sail on Lake St Clair. Michigan is on one side of the lake, and Ontario is on the other. My ...
The bright summer sun forces its way through magnificent Arbutus trees as I dive off our ...
I was first seduced by the United States Virgin Islands during a ferry ride from St. Thomas to ...
It was the last day of August and we were in Little Current heading south. Our Lasalle winter haul ...
Cowichan Bay is a waterfront village with a row of shops, artisan products, marine supplies and a ...
Instant towns have sprung up in the past, especially on the BC coast. In the late 1850s, Victoria ...
Following the War of 1812, a battle that Canada narrowly won against the United States, the ...
You’ve weathered COVID and you’re ready to book your charter to paradise. You’ve done some ...

Western Lake Ontario

I start every article, story or TV segment about boating out of the biggest city in Canada the same way. Citing the multiple people who told me I would “quickly get bored of Toronto harbour” or that “there’s nothing to do in Lake Ontario” and that it was only a matter of time before I moved marinas to a much more appropriate setting just north of the city.

With all due respect to my pals who boat in Georgian Bay, I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon. Next year will be my tenth in Toronto Harbour and I love it more each year.

 

Read More

Lifestyle

  • Prev
This issue’s Photo of the Week comes from friend Katie Dudman who reports. “He’s playing with the ...
My first recollection of  Buddy Melges was on Lake Geneva Wisconsin at the first world laser ...
At BENETEAU’s manufacturing facility, builders thoroughly test all materials that go into our boats ...
POTW fan, Josh Neufeld, modestly sent along these beauties.
Roger Renaud, our Windsor Sailing in Canada correspondent sends along this Photo of the Week ...
On a leisurely summer afternoon, what could be more relaxing than a cruise up the river aboard a ...
Strategist of the Canada SailGP Team and National Sailing Team 49erFX sailor, Georgia ...
Our Photo of the Week comes from AJ Twist in Montreal who was getting away from the off-season in ...
Our Video of the Week comes from Matt Ingram, a reporter at CHCH in Hamilton ON who investigated an ...
Good afternoon. With the possibility that the Kirkfield locks will be closed, we have no choice but ...

MJM YachtsIntroducing the next graduate in our CYOB marine career path series, Nathanial Stabenow from the East Coast of Canada.

An individual of many hats, Nathanial has had a diverse career in the marine industry taking part in commercial diving, marine navigation, rigging and boat building. He now works as a marine engineer on the LaHave ferry in Nova Scotia. Here is Nathanial’s unique career path.

Read More

DIY & How to

  • Prev
One of the pleasures of boating, at least for me, is reading boat names! I enjoy the many humorous ...
As the old saying goes, there are no ropes on a sailboat; only halyards, sheets, guys, vangs, ...
My friends have refused to help me move. It’s not because they aren’t helpful or good friends. It’s ...
In Part 1 of this article, I went through the process of choosing a sailmaker, identifying the type ...
Spring is here and there is no doubt you’re excited to start making waves on the water because like ...
An important, but often overlooked maintenance item on any type of boat is it’s steering system. ...
While interceptor technology for the marine industry has been around for decades, it’s still a ...
It’s that time of year again. The groundhog has been consulted, and we all anxiously wait for the ...
Particularly with the increased costs of ownership, Fractional Ownership may be a better investment ...
As spring approaches, the market starts to heat up, and as you are starting to search for that ...

Common Anchors

‘A chain is only as strong as its weakest link’ is a cliche that is quite applicable in boat maintenance. In a literal sense, a weakest link can apply to an anchor rode, and a weak link in this chain can spell disaster.

Transport Canada specifies the sizes of anchors required in the Canada Shipping Act, detailed more commonly in the Safe Boating Guide:

For Sail and Power boats up to 6 m (19’8”): One (1) anchor and at least 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination...

Read More

 

  

Marine Products

  • Prev
You’ve cruised Georgian Bay, Desolation Sound and The Thousand Islands. You’ve been to the BVI and ...
Birds perching on top of a mast will quickly make a mess of the deck and sail cover. To avoid this, ...
The Big Orange marine holding tank vent odour filter is easily installed in the waste holding tank ...
The Gobius C tank monitoring system distributed by Albin Pump LLC has been named a 2023 Top Product ...
Most marine stereo speakers produce music that bounces off the transom and reflects off the water, ...
Go time – it’s an opportunity to focus on boats and nothing else. Here are some titles to keep on ...
AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip® yacht coatings brand is launching Awlcraft® 3000, the latest Awlgrip top coat ...
Raritan Engineering's first product was a simple toilet named the PH. Designed for recreational ...
Most boats don't come equipped with a mirror. With the new Side Mirror Mount from SeaSucker, ...
SEA-SPEED bottom paint is a revolutionary high-performance Silane-Siloxane bottom coating ...

News

  • Prev
On September 2, 2022, the Kirkfield Lift Lock site was closed due to a mechanical failure. Since ...
C-Tow is Canada’s premiere marine assistance provider that has been offering recreational boaters ...
The June issue of Canadian Yachting is the kickoff to the summer boating season and is bound to get ...
SailGP Season 3 wrapped up today in San Francisco with the Australia SailGP Team scoring the hat ...
Transport Canada is considering requiring the use of engine cut-off switches and is asking for ...
The headline is love and unity but those are euphemisms for competitive racing and heavy partying, ...
The National Yacht Club is one of Canada’s oldest institutions on Toronto’s waterfront dating back ...
Every fall, a migration occurs along America’s East Coast, but it’s not of the avian type. Hundreds ...
The Salty Dawgs Homeward Bound Rally is an offshore passage in the company of other boats of many ...
Sailors from over 20 different countries including many Canadians will be competing on around 79 ...

Pajot Hydrogen CatamaranThe Samana 59 Smart Electric is a new sailing catamaran equipped with alternative energy solutions and EODev’s electro-hydrogen REXH2.

To reduce its carbon impact, the Samana 59 Smart Electric has a virtuous energy architecture composed of a REXH2 that can provide up to 70 kW of continuous power, a battery composed of LiFePO4-EVEPOWER (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells of 63kWh integrated by EVE SYSTEM and Alternatives Energies and 42 m2 of “slim” type solar panels that can provide up to 6145 W. This energy mix allows to take advantage of all the embarked renewable energies (solar, wind).

Read More