New member

[Vedat Midilli]

Hello everybody. I am the new member of Beneteau 40&43 Group. I have an Oceanis 43 (2 cabins) built in France. I am sailing with it since February 2008. I would like to exchange experiences with other members.

For a start up; weakest point of this boat is battery (service) system, the charger, which I both replaced immediately, and VDO electric panel, especially tank level indicators which are totally unreliable.

A question: While sailing, do you lock the props by putting the gear in reverse. Did you notice the label saying; "If you exceed a sailing speed of 8 kts, you have to put the gear in neutral." While there is such a load on gears through the prop, it is impossible to do that. Is there a solution apart saying "never exceed 8 kts while sailing."

[Mike Brown]

We always lock the prop in reverse on our 43. Yes you have to come to almost a complete stop before you can shift back to neutral. I have not seen any notice to not use reverse if sAiling greater than it's which is easy to do on the 43. Where did you read this? What motor do you have? We have the Yanmar.

[Vedat Midilli]

Mike, the engine is a Yanmar 4JH4AE. There is a warning label just over the throttle lever in my boat. The reason I think is the high strain of 8+ kts on the prop shaft which could possibly twist it. Practically it means that if wind is high enough and you are ready for such a speed, you better leave it neutral before you set sails.

[Mike Brown]

Hmmm there no label on our boat about the 8 kts and reverse. I'll have to ask my dealer about it.

[stephen grainger]

Hi Vedat
I have a 2008 oceanis 40 and have had the same problem with the level indicators. Beneteau is aware of the problem and have been for over a year. They replaced my panel, with an identical panel and with the identical problems. I have had no joy from them since with this problem.
I always sail with gear in neutral. Is there less drag by locking the prop in reverse?? I am keen on a folding/feathering prop but dont know which one to go for.
Stephen

[Vedat Midilli]

Stephen, I think VDO, though is a well known brand, has designed this panel for new Beneteaus, but it's apperently a failure. Of course it's not a minor problem to be neglected. You have to calculate engine working hours, and estimate what is left in the tank which is quite a shame for such two big brands. In the beginning, when I expected the gauge working properly, I relied upon the indicator which showed 3/4 of the tank full, I fuelled and with surprise I saw that the tank was almost empty. (Only 30 lts were left in 200 lts tank.) And water level indicators, never rely on them too. When you find water, fill them up.

Most say that locking prop in reverse is better for less drag. Besides, when left in neutral, the prop turns continuosly. I am not sure but it might lead to poor oiling, and cause early wearing of some parts.

There are cons and pros of folding props. Before deciding you better talk to several users.

[stephen grainger]

Thanks Vedat.

I must calculate fuel by engine hours also as the gauge shows full until down to last 20 litres or so.

I am interested if anyone with a new model oceanis has gauges that do actually work. How can we collectively tackle Beneteau to get them fixed.

Stephen

[Vedat Midilli]

Stephen, I think this is an integrated system including level sensors, and the whole panel itself. So lets wish VDO designs a solution within this system, and Beneteau do the necessary replacement accordingly.

[foster]

Hello,

I have the same problem since july 2007. I had a Mastervolt Easy installed to monitor the electrical system but for fuel and water the defect persists. For the moment no efficient help from Beneteau.

It woul be ineresting to know how many of the twenty members of the group have this problem or not. and how it was fixed.

Denis
s/y HIBERNIA hull n°77

[Mike Brown]

For what it's worth the gauges on my 43 seem just fine. That includes fuel and both water tanks. We just did an 11 day trip and had to refuel a couple of times. I always estimate how much fuel I think it will take based on hours run and the gauge. My last fill up I estimated 40 gal and took on 39.4 gal.

[Ken]

We have a "2009" Beneteau 43, US Hull #59. I believe we have the older display panel, but so far it has been somewhat reliable, although I do not trust it. The fuel gauge, however, is more of a low fuel warning. The following is what we found (your mileage WILL vary):

Empty Very Little
1 /4 5 Gallons
1 /2 10 Gallons
3 /4 20 Gallons
Full 34 Gallons
Topped Off 55 Gallons

Ken

[Vedat Midilli]

Thanks Ken. It's clever to suit yourself to the behavior of the gauge. At least, when you get your first warning on 3/4 tick, you can translate it as less than half a tank. I'll check and follow your system.