I'm not posting this to rag on the boats, but rather the marketing copy. I had occasion to read this and just thought it was hilarious.
From Beneteau's Web site for the Oceanis line. I've taken the liberty to highlight the parts that struck me as being funny.
Quote
Oceanis
SAILING THE WORLD'S SEAS TOGETHER
Oceanis yachts are all about sharing and enjoying life at sea together. From 31? to 58?, all nine Oceanis models are tireless cruisers designed to deliver comfort in all its forms, beginning with a stable, high-performance hull. This comfort also comes in the form of cockpits, sunbathing platforms and interior space giving everyone the space they need to relax and enjoy the pleasure of being together.
Size-for-size, every Oceanis model offers the comfort and convenience of a truly modular layout providing every family and every crew with the boat they need, complete with layout solutions and trim levels tailored to their own requirements and lifestyle at sea.
Safe and spirited, Oceanis yachts are as comfortable cruising as they are capable on longer offshore journeys. A traveller [sic] at home on all the world?s seas, she delights even the most demanding owners.
Trim levels tailored for requirements and lifestyle at sea? Who writes this stuff?
I also like this part:
"giving everyone the space they need to ... enjoy the pleasure of being together."
What does that mean? The space to be "alone" on board so they can enjoy being together?
Interesting psychology...
Don't get me started ::)
Quote from: Tim on April 12, 2012, 10:18:45 AM
Don't get me started ::)
Yeah, go ahead and start! You have some funny ad copy? I'd like to see it. This stuff cracks me up.
(Doesn't have to be about boats...)
While I also cracked a big smile about the sunbathing platform, my daughter considers the boat primarily that very thing... those dang sails and all that rigging just gets in the way of a good tan!
;D
Marketing copy designed to sell dreams... with words vague enough to mean nothing... is not new, after all "It's the real thing!" and "Coke is it!" are a circular-reference slogans.
I'm always insterested in Photoshop disasters for sailing ads... which is my area of interest/expertise.
(edit with example provided)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByEGJFP57uA/TyOp62G3U_I/AAAAAAAAFFs/FOxMhF9dnos/s1600/IMAG0137-1.jpg)
I probably should not admit it on this board, but since the death of the little regional boating magazine I used to work for, a large part of my freelance writing has been of scripts for boat yards/marinas (not too bad, really) and boat builders. None of them build sailboats (only the other kind), but some of the things they like to tout have nothing, IMHO, to do with quality boating (even of the other variety).
Still, a guy's gotta eke out a living. (Most of my writing has to do with cruising guides, which is something I'm quite happy about, really. You've gotta be honest, at least when writing the navigation narrative.)
Oh, I guess I'm going to have to sell my Cape Dory. It doesn't seem to have any sunbathing platforms.
--Joe
Tom: LOL, too funny. Did that ad get published like that?
Joe: You CD does have a sunbathing platform, foredeck and cabin top. Just not usable while sailing. ;D
I do wonder at the marketing claims...who pushes them. They must have SOME market research that shows someone chooses which boat to buy based on "trim level" and what-not. It's just a really funny thing to me to focus on in an ad where each character can cost money.
Captain Smollet, yes that ad famously ran in Europe, several years ago but not so old that Photoshop layers weren't invented yet (the presumed location for the invisible boat). There was also a European edition of Playboy that ran with the cover model having one of her two "inflatable dock fenders" masked out - yet my students (all male) stared at the cover and couldn't tell me what was wrong!
As far as trim level goes though, isn't that another way of just expressing the things that so many of us prefer/desire in a cruiser (e.g.: teak & holly sole, mahogany or teak hatch boards, etc.).
Quote from: tomwatt on April 12, 2012, 08:10:37 PM
As far as trim level goes though, isn't that another way of just expressing the things that so many of us prefer/desire in a cruiser (e.g.: teak & holly sole, mahogany or teak hatch boards, etc.).
A fair question. I can only answer it for myself.
That is the kind of thing I would only look at after deciding which boat/car/whatever to buy. That is, I do not think I would ever choose a Beneteau/Ford/whatever on the basis of "trim options." I'd pick the functional features first, and once those were met, then
maybe look at 'trim.'
The way this ad is written, it makes it sound like buyers should choose this boat on the basis of 'trim options.' And further, it's worded
"trim levels tailored to their own requirements and lifestyle at sea."
I'm scratching my head over the concept of a 'trim level requirement at sea.'
The trim, teak and holly vs mahogany or whatever, has NOTHING to do with "requirements at sea." At least not to me.
I think this encapsulates nicely what we talk about here on this site a lot....what is really "needed" to sail far or cruise in comfort. A teak and holly sole looks good; it does precisely ZERO for getting my family safely to the next port. My thesis has long been that it does not increase physical comfort (but arguably does help psychological comfort) at all.
I guess it boils down to priorities. I think the wood that makes up the cabin sole (and whatever else is "trim") is a pretty low priority. The marketing folks seem to think it is, or should be, a very high one. The ad does not mention one single word about sail handling options, systems redundancy, capsize righting, etc. Those are some of my priorities.
If the boat does not handle well in the conditions in which I will sail, the trim could be gold for all I care...the boat would be useless to me. Based on this ad, I have no way of knowing if the boat will meet my needs
as a boat.I hope that clarifies why I find this ad funny; it does nothing to tell my why this is a good boat for me to take to sea. It's fluff.
You folks MUST remember- boats today aren't sold to SAIL!!! Sadly.
They are sold to PARTY on, or to entertain aboard, AT the yacht club or marina.
Those of us who actually SAIL the boats are in a most definite minority. Particularly those of us who GO ANYWHERE aboard. We're an even smaller percentage.
The ads are quite hilarious ( sadly so to me) but they obviously work- The boats are being sold.
This is my opinion after some ( in total) 10,000 miles by boat along the US coasts, watching and talking to people on boats.
This topic - and the ads - sprang to mind this morning as I was bumbling around making coffee. (an incident involving stove, toe and the resulting clanging sounds)
The way most goods are sold, as consumable items marketed on the basis of their "product benefits" tailored to consumers interested in style, luxury and status, is entirely the opposite of the true nature of many products being manufactured. The function of a boat, truck, or even home is sublimated to demands of style points, things for people to show off or boast about at the water cooler, the pub, or the office cocktail party... or at the marina.
So it becomes important that a flat screen tv, wakeboard sound towers (yuck), sun deck, etc. be included in a boat package, despite the fact that the boat's motion in a seaway really requires secure railings for the crew that will be clinging to it as they hang their heads over the side.
I like Charlie's observation... boats are sold for reasons other than that they are a boat. You see that in people's reactions too - "you have a boat?" There is an expectation of wealth, power, entertaining in high social circles, etc. that goes with that... none of which I'm interested in.
I believe Allied has been the only company in my memory that actually advertised crossing oceans ("she'll cross an ocean if you will"). Building solid, safe and functional cruising boats that last was a non-winning marketing strategy, since having an older model was just as good as having a brand-new one. Now we're stuck with "buy the latest to impress your neighbors" mentality. Even old Morgans seem to have suffered with the "they'll think it's a Hinkley" as a strategy.
"Trim package at sea" sounds a lot like "tow package" for your 4x4 truck, or touring package for the sedan... marketing people never learn. Having taken the classes, and taught the classes, I can safely say that most marketers didn't "get it" in school, and probably still don't get it.
PS. Teak & mahogany (or equivalents for me) are important parts having already been through soggy, waterlogged mushy plywood floorboards (it's a boat, it gets wet sometimes).
"Sell the wife" is the strategy of most ad campaigns. The husband (yeah I`m typecasting) would love the small simple small, but the lady is not sold. So lets talk about the sunbathing area on the deck and the fabrics on the cushions and how you can entertain on the boat. Lets just pass over the fact that this boat has and unkindly motion and no handholds while at sea and not to mention a proper seaberth. I understand they must sell boats in order to make money and stay in business so I dont blame them at all. The ads reflect society today.
I`m trying to think how an ad agency would handle the marketing for my Ariel if it was built today?
Quote from: CharlieJ on April 12, 2012, 10:36:23 PM
You folks MUST remember- boats today aren't sold to SAIL!!! Sadly.
They are sold to PARTY on, or to entertain aboard, AT the yacht club or marina.
Yes. Here was mentioned an article in CRUISING WORLD (http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php/topic,2967.msg32034.html#msg32034) wherein a VP at Beneteau made that exact point - boats are not sailed, so why design them for sailing.
The marketing, however, certainly does not keep pace with that...."at sea" is used repeatedly. The corporate goal might be to design and sell dock condo's, but they continue to appeal to those that think they are looking for a sea boat.
Likewise, consider this from the copy for the Bene Sense line:
"Set off to sea,
be carried away on a dream"
"her hull has been created for ...
good sea-keeping taking you to far off shores."
A dreamer reads this stuff, without much other input, and can easily believe it. Dissenting opinions, "look at other boats, too," get met with outright hostility. At least they have for me.
Quote from: tomwatt
The way most goods are sold, as consumable items marketed on the basis of their "product benefits" tailored to consumers interested in style, luxury and status, is entirely the opposite of the true nature of many products being manufactured. The function of a boat, truck, or even home is sublimated to demands of style points, things for people to show off or boast about at the water cooler, the pub, or the office cocktail party... or at the marina.
Very good point. And very sad. The 'essence' of things being replaced by style is part of the "fluff" I mentioned earlier.
Quote
"Trim package at sea" sounds a lot like "tow package" for your 4x4 truck,
"Tow package" for my 4x4 is useful...practical. There's a difference, no?
Quote from: Chattcatdaddy
"Sell the wife" is the strategy of most ad campaigns. The husband (yeah I`m typecasting) would love the small simple small, but the lady is not sold. So lets talk about the sunbathing area on the deck and the fabrics on the cushions and how you can entertain on the boat. Lets just pass over the fact that this boat has and unkindly motion and no handholds while at sea and not to mention a proper seaberth. I understand they must sell boats in order to make money and stay in business so I dont blame them at all. The ads reflect society today.
I`m trying to think how an ad agency would handle the marketing for my Ariel if it was built today?
Another very good point that explains WHY it is written that way, but there is still a disconnnect.
What happens to the wife's opinion of boating with her husband/family when the boat is scary...easy to over press, rough motion, nowhere to hold onto? None of this may occur - especially if the boat never leaves the dock except in "fair weather."
The marketing sells boats as "dream machines." Seems like many wives would like some of that dream besides a 6 figure hole in the bank account that sits at the dock as a fancy way to 'entertain' friends.
Maybe it's nothing more complex than the dreams they are selling not being my dreams...
Thanks for the discussion guys; interesting stuff.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on April 13, 2012, 02:25:31 PM
What happens to the wife's opinion of boating with her husband/family when the boat is scary...easy to over press, rough motion, nowhere to hold onto? None of this may occur - especially if the boat never leaves the dock except in "fair weather."
The boat ends up for sale and the dream dies alot of the time. I agree that ad campaigns need a reality check, but the consumer also has a responsiblity to educate themselves regarding the product. Anyone who has done just a little research will soon learn the seaworthy bluwater boats from the weekender dock queens. I narrowed my search to boats that are made to sail first and live aboard second. No pity from me for sap that buys a boat from strictly an ad from a manufacturer without proper research. Of course a whole other discussion for the trying to stuff all the comforts of a home into a boat which it seems the market is headed, heck its already here for that matter.
Quote from: Chattcatdaddy on April 13, 2012, 03:08:34 PM
Anyone who has done just a little research will soon learn the seaworthy bluwater boats from the weekender dock queens....No pity from me for sap that buys a boat from strictly an ad from a manufacturer without proper research.
Right, but the biggest problem (to me) occurs when the "marketing" becomes "conventional wisdom."
A person goes to a forum, posts "I'm new to this, I have this dream, what boat should I look for" and in a ratio of at least 10:1 or so (that's a guess, not data), he's generally told "you NEED x."
X ranges from "at least 40 ft LOA" to "systems, systems, systems."
On online bit I quoted a while back had a guy advised people that they needed a boat at least large enough to HIRE at least 3 "able bodied" crew to help sail if planning to cross an ocean.
Um. Right.
There's a TON of bad advice given; the marketing seems to be the root of one branch on that tree. It fuels a lot of "opinion" by folks who have not sailed much, if at all.
I guess what I am getting at is "name recognition" goes a long way toward "acceptance," and even for the guy trying to do his due-diligence on the topic, he's met with a TON of resistance to stray from the "known." That is, the "known" from looking at the magazines.
The other part is something I mentioned a few weeks ago or so...it SEEMS to me that relatively few people define "use" before they buy a boat; they often end up with a boat unsuitable for desired use, end up having a miserable time, blame "the weather" (or other uncontrollable factor) or the size of the boat, etc, and again the dream often dies.
When I first started articulating "the dream" to cross an ocean (sail to Ireland) to my wife, I was CONVINCED we needed at least a 45 footer to do so. I thought I was doing my due diligence; I read the printed word written by those who had "done it" and were telling me how to follow. I quickly realized it was more likely than not out of our grasp and nearly 'gave up.'
So, I guess I've become an evangelist for "look at other options." That seems to be blasphemy to some, however. You step on the "conventional," even as just an option to explore and you can be blasted as being a kook. At least that's happened to me.
The whole process is an interesting study....
Larger boats with many complitcated systems has become the conventional wisdom...sad. It might come down to how someone is first introduced to sailing and sailboats. If glossy magazines and the typical forums are the first thing a person comes across in the process of their research then it might be ingrianed and a tough thought pattern to break.
My first intro to the sailing life came from a retired gentleman and wife that crusied in the tropics in the winter and stayed in the mountains for the summers. He was a self-made man and a pretty simple guy. His boat was a Morgan O/I 33? if I remember correctly. He hepled me inspect and purchase my first sailboat a Cal 29.
In retrospect I was fortunate to meet a nice helpful person to get me started. If he had a 50fter things may have worked out differently.
On a completely different topic. The marina just called me to say that I can splash the boat on wednesday the 18th. The adventure begins real soon.....
Quote from: Chattcatdaddy on April 13, 2012, 05:33:49 PM
It might come down to how someone is first introduced to sailing and sailboats.
...
In retrospect I was fortunate to meet a nice helpful person to get me started.
Ah, there is truth in this as well, I think. Grog for that thought.
My first sail was with a great guy named Bob aboard a Cape Dory Typhoon.
:D
MY first sail was aboard a plywood Penquin- a 12 foot catboat.
In 1957 ;D
Quote from: Captain Smollett on April 13, 2012, 02:25:31 PM
"Tow package" for my 4x4 is useful...practical. There's a difference, no?
While that is true, most of the tow package equipped 4x4's I see neither tow nor use/need 4 wheel drive, and never go off-road. The net result is already showing up in pseudo-4-wheel drive vehicles not capable of surviving the stress and body-torque/twist that real 4-wheel drive vehicles traveling in off-road conditions experience. I fully expect to see the tow package (which is already tainted by fine-print requirements in warranties) cheapened over time.
So while it currently is useful, it's under-used and increasingly is marketed as a "man's style point" for vehicles. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm a curmudgeon about "progress."
Quote from: tomwatt on April 13, 2012, 08:48:12 PM
While that is true, most of the tow package equipped 4x4's I see neither tow nor use/need 4 wheel drive, and never go off-road. The net result is already showing up in pseudo-4-wheel drive vehicles not capable of surviving the stress and body-torque/twist that real 4-wheel drive vehicles traveling in off-road conditions experience. I fully expect to see the tow package (which is already tainted by fine-print requirements in warranties) cheapened over time.
So while it currently is useful, it's under-used and increasingly is marketed as a "man's style point" for vehicles. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm a curmudgeon about "progress."
True.
Like Hummers (which are NOT HMMWV's)? ;D
It's striking how just about everything seems to be getting cheapened. Boats designed around staying in port, off road vehicles designed to "look good at the mall," etc.
Consumerism in action, I guess.
Yes, like Hummers, and even Subaru and Honda SUV-like vehicles which have no frame, no ability to withstand the body twist and torque that happens when a vehicle is up on only two wheels (at opposite corners). Nice enough cars, but off-road doesn't mean being able to park on the lawn.
Similarly, sailing doesn't mean motoring the ICW, and then spending the rest of the time in the marina. Hopefully, someone won't outlaw real-live offshore sailing and require boats to be tied up at the dock all the time.
An old advertising man I worked with years ago mentioned that the ads that always look the funniest to us are the ones we are not in the target market for... since I suspect all of us on SailFar are not in the market for a floating dock party pad, the latest and greatest edition boat ads tend to get under our skin. On a brighter note, it also ensures that the kinds of boats we are interested in will get paid little attention by the cash-flushed latest-and-greatest dock party crowd. So the odd Aleutka (there's one for sale currently on the West coast), old Alberg, and assorted other deep-hulled cruisers out there continue to wait patiently for someone with interests outside the advertised arena.
I cant say I can see much wrong with the marketing blurb! - IMO would be really poop marketing if it concentrated on the dull stuff, even if very worthy. The mass market (on most things - boats included) is never to folk with expert knowledge, so have to sell with what they have - everyone has dreams.
If some folks can't see past the brochure speak (on anything) then they do get what they pay for.
Having said that (especially over on CF) I do sometimes wonder if I am part of the same activity! But I do appreciate that many (most?) are latecomers to the world of boats, and so it is easier for me (father had boats since I was 2 foot tall! - on a small island that not unusual) to simply view them as "only a boat" that enables me to do stuff, rather than them being bought as a lifestyle thing ::) ...................whether out "Cruising" or occassional use - on that latter point, I deliberately bought the last boat (as my final boat?!) that wouldn't matter if she was used rarely - at 30' she is (to me) a "big" boat, but financially not important even though I am not stinking rich! I probably could have bought "a dream" for 250k intead of 30k - but then I would be married to her, even if no loan on her....for me that would be a nightmare! (it's only a boat)......but for others 250k is the cost of their dream - well, according to the marketing dept ;D.
Yeah the 40ft itis is in full bloom on crusiers forum. The ADs must be working to some degree. My favorite post are those that start of with some statement like" I have $250,000 for a CAT and a 5,000 month income. Do you think I can get by with that?". Whole time Im think buy a $30,000 boat at the most and sail/cruise the world on the interest. What i think they really want to say is would a $250,000 cat shut my wife up so I can go sailing!!!
Quote from: Chattcatdaddy on April 14, 2012, 10:23:05 AM
My favorite post are those that start of with some statement like" I have $250,000 for a CAT and a 5,000 month income.
I never mentioned the C word!
But given this is a thread about folks who swallow the brochure whole, then perhaps apt to do so........"I paid (borrowed? :P) a lot, so it
must be as good as the salesman said" ::).
I am perhaps the longest serving Armchair Sailor over there ;D - but I did my extended time worldwide wanderings by Jumbo Jet (and alcohol ;D) long ago - spread over more than a decade, and I still barely went anywhere (only went RTW by plane to complete the circuit - and that only because I couldn't change my ticket to return via SE Asia)....but Vegas
was fun 8)........I only mention all that as fundamentally I don't understand folks who buy the biggest and most expensive boat they can get their hands on (and more often than not with someone elses money) - and only then start to think about the cruising / living / having fun! budget - IME simply turning up in new places (with palm trees or not) gets old real quick, it's what you get up to ashore and not simply the fact of sitting somewhere, no matter how expensive the hotel / boat or whatever.....what makes me chuckle is that even a 50 foot cat has less room than a studio apartment and with less conveniances and from the sound of it most would not be seen dead "roughing it" that way ashore, "Luxury" means different things to different folks I guess.....
....that was an unexpected rant!
Many people would be better off just forgetting the boat and renting apartments around the world. Would save money that way as well if you choose the right locales.
BTW whats a small apartment running in Thailand these days. I feel the need to visit some temples. ;D
Quote from: David_Old_Jersey on April 14, 2012, 02:13:12 PM
what makes me chuckle is that even a 50 foot cat has less room than a studio apartment and with less conveniances
That's what I've been ranting about for some time with the notion of "I need a bigger boat" when bigger is from 30-35 ft to 40-45 ft. It's still NOT a house/apartment, and it will STILL require a different mindset to live in it.
And, I further maintain that different mindset does not mean "less comfortable."
Quote from: Chattcatdaddy on April 14, 2012, 02:33:04 PM
BTW whats a small apartment running in Thailand these days. I feel the need to visit some temples. ;D
The cheapest is when you move into somewhere with a sitting tenant ;D......the cost? "Up to you" :D...........in practice probably need to add a few modcons - and pay for food / some living expenses, but two can eat as cheaply as one over there (very cheaply over there), especially if someone local doing the cooking. Depending where you are, also makes sense to ensure your "housemate" :P has some transport (likely a small moped). You can learn a lot by living "local".....a good sense of humour helps 8) - and being able to turn a blind eye does no harm..............
......of course the old saying still applies: Caveat Emptor - Latin for "Welcome to Thailand" ;D......get it wrong and can make the refurbishment of a 50 foot wooden boat (with woodworm, dry rot and termites!) seem cheap. and less aggro!.....but I suspect that is enough thread drift for
this forum ;D.
Re: The tanning platform.
Those of us who have been in the tropics for any length of time try to avoid sun as much as possible. The best way to tell the ex-pats from the tourists is to see if they're walking on the sunny side, or the shade side, of a street.
I'm of Arabic origins (but US born), have very rarely ever been sunburnt, but still have five patches missing that the docs have cut out of my hide, and a couple more that we're 'keeping an eye on'.
Most people of European ancestry look like patch-work quilts after a couple of decades! :-)
Quote from: Michael Homsany on April 15, 2012, 04:37:10 PM
Re: The tanning platform.
Those of us who have been in the tropics for any length of time try to avoid sun as much as possible. The best way to tell the ex-pats from the tourists is to see if they're walking on the sunny side, or the shade side, of a street.
I'm of Arabic origins (but US born), have very rarely ever been sunburnt, but still have five patches missing that the docs have cut out of my hide, and a couple more that we're 'keeping an eye on'.
Most people of European ancestry look like patch-work quilts after a couple of decades! :-)
Yep, I see a dermatologist more than any other Doc.
And in an anchorage, you can tell the long term cruisers, from the short termers, or weekenders.
The long termers have canvas awnings ALL over!!! ;)
Making shade :D
This is a very good point as well.
What are they selling?
It's all psychology.
A hundred years or so ago, a sun tan was a mark of being 'lower class' since it meant you had to be outside (usually working in fields and the like), whereas pale skin meant you had the "luxury" of spending your time indoors.
During the 20th century (I think, though it may have started to shift in the 19th), this switched 180 degrees and the tan became the mark of luxury since it meant you had the leisure time to 'sunbath.' Workers worked inside, in offices.
So...what does the sunbathing platform mentioned prominently in the ad sell to? It's the idea that you have the luxury to sunbathe. Crusty old sailors might sail their boats from port to port, but the rich and pampered get to stay in one place and sunbathe?
It's all very fascinating to me...but it ultimately gets down to the bottom line that these boats are never intended to be used "as boats," but rather represent symbols of wealth, leisure time and a station in life that focuses on luxury.
My daughter and I crossed the Atlantic Ocean (as crew) from St. Thomas to Scotland in a Beneteau Oceanis 473. I normally don't get these ads either, but this one I do and just felt like commenting:
"Stable, high performance hull." - Absolutely! The boat was very solid and performed really well. We did a lot of upwind work in large seas between the Azores and Scotland. We needed to push the boat hard to position ourselves to avoid the worst of a weather system. When we wanted 9+ knots, we could get it.
Cockpit - We had two large cockpit seats that were long enough that a person could lay out flat and not be in the way. Between them, there is a stainless steel bar that is usually support for a fold down table. At sea, the table is removed. That bar then became the perfect place to strap three jerry cans of diesel. It also came in handy as a foot rest, brace, etc. during rough conditions. Aft of this were two helm stations. These were unbelievably comfortable. It was a pleasure to spend an entire three hour watch at the helm. Aft of that was the:
Sunbathing platform - I find that to be an odd name for a "Sugar Scoop Transom" or "Swim Platform." For us, we had two more jerry cans of diesel fuel and a jerry can of gasoline for the outboard strapped in on that platform. That platform also was a nice private place to bath when conditions allowed. When the sea was flat, we would kneel on the platform and first bath with salt water and then get a final rinse with fresh water using the "swim platform" shower. (Of course, we were tied to the boat.)
"Interior space giving everyone the space they need to relax and enjoy the pleasure of being together." - The Oceanis 473 has a really nice forward cabin. Unfortunately that area is pretty useless when bashing into big seas. However, along with the main salon and galley area, we had two aft cabins. My daughter had the port side and I had the starboard. These were really comfortable and did offer private space. Yet, the boat had communal space as well. So, I think the ads statement is viable.
Every Oceanis model offers the comfort and convenience of a truly modular layout providing every family and every crew with the boat they need, complete with layout solutions and trim levels tailored to their own requirements and lifestyle at sea. - Regarding "modular;" I knew the Oceanis 473 came in a couple different layouts. This was very evident in the interior of the hull and deck. You could clearly see where and how Beneteau would simply drop in a completely different set of bulkheads and then set the deck down on top of these bulkheads. Regarding "trim levels..... lifestyles at sea." Handholds throughout the interior is not something that is needed if you are going to sail on protected waters. At sea, they are an absolute necessity. Especially in a wide boat. I have also crewed on board a Swan 48 and a Yapluka 60 Catamaran. Neither of these high end boats had anything to hold on to.
Safe and spirited, Oceanis yachts are as comfortable cruising as they are capable on longer offshore journeys. - The owner of this particular boat lives aboard in the BVI in the winter and Boston in the summer. The boat makes for a very comfortable home, yet is well suited for the offshore passages.
Realistcally, I am a SBLD sailor. I have dreamed of sailing around the world for most of my life. Doing so would be on a small boat. However, after doing one ocean crossing and two other 900 mile passages on "other peoples boats," I am beginning to think that might be the most economical and enjoyable way to sail around the world.
Thanks for the comments, David. It's good to hear positive experiences.
I do still find the ad a bit funny. Lines like
"Interior space giving everyone the space they need to relax and enjoy the pleasure of being together."
just strike my funny bone. "Space they need to ... enjoy pleasure of being together." I see what they are trying to say, that having one's own space makes time together better - but it's worded funny. To me at least. ;)
No comment on the boat itself...pros or cons...other than the fact that I do not WANT a 47 ft boat...by ANY manufacturer. Earlier in the thread there was a comment about not being in the target market, and that certainly applies. I find the wording of the ad funny because it's not aimed at me.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on April 15, 2012, 07:39:50 PM
A hundred years or so ago, a sun tan was a mark of being 'lower class' since it meant you had to be outside (usually working in fields and the like), whereas pale skin meant you had the "luxury" of spending your time indoors.
During the 20th century (I think, though it may have started to shift in the 19th), this switched 180 degrees and the tan became the mark of luxury since it meant you had the leisure time to 'sunbath.' Workers worked inside, in offices.
Still is that way in many parts of the world (for the reasons you state).
- to keep on topic (with the marketing angle) one of the very few things that got me mad in SE Asia was the beauty industry (Including well known western brands) selling and promoting skin whiteners >:( Of course simply piggy backing on existing local desires (and prejudices), but they would not even dare sell in the same way in this part of the world products whose sole purpose is to make those on the dusky end of the spectrum appear whiter ::).
Marketing will sell you whatever you want, whether needed or not
Quote from: David_Old_Jersey on April 17, 2012, 06:12:09 AM
Marketing will sell you whatever you want, whether needed or not
Grog for that.
One of the best things we ever did was get rid of the TV. It's simply amazing how much "clutter" is removed from life without TV and magazines "shouting" at you all the time that you "need" this or "should have" that.
Hear! Hear! TV free since 1984. TV messes you up.