Four years ago, for the 2012 season, industry leader Beneteau caused a stir with the simultaneous announcement of three new models. The Oceanis 41, Oceanis 45 and Oceanis 48 were tested by YACHT in a triple pack (issue 25-26/2011). Now the French have once again taken on their twelve-metre cruiser for a fundamental update and, with the Oceanis 41.1, are once again presenting an up-to-date boat with a modern design - even if the hull and deck remain fundamentally unchanged.
The most striking change on deck is the newly designed bathing platform. On the predecessor model Oceanis 41, the aft bridge deck and the stern platform were linked and lowered together using a complicated mechanism. Smart, but also complex. In the new ship, the stern platform is now back in a simpler form and can be folded down as a single part - just like the competition. Instead, the ship has two seats aft for the helmsman, which can be folded up if required.
Beneteau has also optimised and adapted the sheet guides and the layout of the fittings. In the standard version, the mainsheet is now led back to the winches on the coaming on both sides (German Cupper System). This is intended to make it easier for the helmsman to sail solo. In addition, the mast on the new boat is positioned slightly further aft. This provides the option of a self-tacking jib as an alternative to the overlapping genoa.
Below deck on the Oceanis 41.1, the main bulkhead is slightly further aft, so the forward cabin will be larger. The forward berth is no longer a triangular berth, but an island bed. Here you now sleep with your head forwards. The bed can also be installed at an angle to the side and a second toilet room can be added to the forward cabin.
Beneteau now also offers more visual variety for the interior fittings. Until now, the interior fittings were exclusively in mahogany. Now the French company is also using light-coloured oak (photo left). In addition, the customer has more choice in terms of flooring and upholstery.
The price of the Oceanis 41.1 has not yet been announced by the shipyard in France, nor do the dealers seem to know it yet. The predecessor model Oceanis 41 was on offer until recently for a base price of 185,640 euros.
Beneteau has already announced that the Oceanis 45 and Oceanis 48 models will soon undergo a similar update.
The new Oceanis 41.1 on film
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