Beneteau First 235 Forums

mark_swart

A friend of mine is thinking about driving up to Annapolis for a look at Eclipse, a '90 WK being brokered through Annapolis Yacht Sales. Looks to be in amazing condition, nice navy canvas, upgraded electronics and autopilot.
It can be seen on their website -- is anyone familiar with the boat? Looks like it has been loved.

alisdairs · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 4:37 pm Post subject:

Mark - if it's the one I looked at..I wasn't too impressed and walked away....I do know the owner is very motivated to sell though so if you're friend is after a deal, he might get a good buy...
_________________
'Highland Fling'
1997 Oceanis 281
South River, Edgewater, MD

Former owner 'Atlantic Reach'
1989~WK~#276

mark_swart · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:07 pm Post subject:

My friend purchased the boat and plans to take delivery in FEB/MAR. She will be sailed out of Hampton, Va.

jwandling · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:49 am Post subject: Ben 285 Eclipse

I purchased this boat about 18 months ago, and am very pleased. I am racing her PHRF in So Bay and find we are somewhat competitive depending on fleet mix and wind conditions. I have not experienced the extreme weather helm reported by some folks nor do I find our PHRF rating 195 unfair. I have all new dacron sails (Dave Baxter, Norfolk), have moved the mainsheet traveler to the bridge deck, and am very careful to keep the boat in trim, especially fore-and aft, as (with a wheel) the helm position is pretty far aft. If not careful, the boat "squats". Also learning that the sail plan likes to "breathe". I was developing a tendency to trim the jib too tight to attempt to point up with some of the J Boats in my fleet (I used to sail a J27 so was accustomed to better pointing ability). I have learned to let the J-boats go, footing off for speed, and to try to beat them on tactics. She is not a great light air boat, but is competitive in 12-18 knots and a down right hoot at 20-25. I miss my J when the 24's pass me upwind, but I love it that my wife comes sailing more. I think the private head, full galley, and decent headroom have something to do with that! BTW Annapolis Yacht Sales (Denise Hanna) did a great job on the selling and delivery end.

Brad Leslie · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:43 am Post subject:

Congrats on the purchase. the 285 is a very sweet boat to sail.
hope you and the wife enjoy her.

Not sure I ever experienced any severe wether helm with mine. If careful to trim her properly I always found my 285 wanting sail in the groove in just about all conditions.

I had a big geneker so in order to trim her up as the winds came up, I had to furl some in.

I sold mine to a fellow on the Potomac, you may see old Sun King in the lower Chesapeake if that is where you are.

we are sailing a Ben 361 out of the lower Potomac, look forward to meeting any of the 235/285 brothers out on the bay.

Good luck with your new boat.
_________________
Brad Leslie
89 Wing #251, Gigi
PO of Grip Fast, 87 Fin #92
PO of Sun King, 89 F285, #166
PO of Sojorn, 93 F210, #76
04 361, Grip Fast