US SO-39i boat with 230v panel - why?

[SDSailor]

We’re considering the purchase of a late model (2009) SO 39i. (West Coast US)  The panel is marked 230v/12v and not 115v/12v like other Bene/Jeanneau. Several questions arise. Were these model boats made in the US factory, or in France? If US built, did they just use a common panel? If French built, did they alter wiring and breaker sizes as needed for the use of 120v while still using a Euro marked panel?  

[zaphod]

My 39i panel is marked as 230v and is in French and English. I just assumed that they used those panels because my boat was coming to Canada so they wanted the bilingual panel. Everything is 115v not 230v. Strangely the paperwork for my boat says it was built in the USA, but the HIN number indicates it was built in France. Not sure what the deal is there!

[SDSailor]

Thank you for your reply. Most Beneteau/Jeanneau boats I’ve been on have bilingual panels, but this is the first I’ve seen locally marked 230v.   If you have a moment - would you buy again? DM me if you have any thoughts (pros/cons) regarding this model.  Thanks Again!

[zaphod]

Feb 11, 2020 18:50:16 GMT SDSailor said:

Thank you for your reply. Most Beneteau/Jeanneau boats I’ve been on have bilingual panels, but this is the first I’ve seen locally marked 230v.   If you have a moment - would you buy again? DM me if you have any thoughts (pros/cons) regarding this model.  Thanks Again!

Absolutely we would buy again! We love our 39i. So far there is not much we don't like about the boat. It is a very well behaved boat in all the conditions we have sailed in, although she is a little under powered in light wind. I would have liked the Performance model if we could find one, but there were not many brought to our area. The model is very sought after around here. The last few to come on the market have sold very quickly.

[zaphod]

I wrote up a review and first impressions on my boat on Sailnet if you are interested.

www.sailnet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2051599916

Since writing the I have added a bowsprit and asymetric spinnaker on a furler, as well as a folding prop, although I have yet to sail the boat with the new prop. I have no doubt it will make a big difference!

I am happy to answer any other questions you might have.

[SDSailor]

Thank you for sharing. That is a well articulated write-up.  Sadly, we had to pass on this boat after our due diligence prior to making an offer. Continuing our search. 

[zaphod]

Feb 13, 2020 21:34:00 GMT SDSailor said:

Thank you for sharing. That is a well articulated write-up.  Sadly, we had to pass on this boat after our due diligence prior to making an offer. Continuing our search. 

I'm curious, what was wrong with the boat that made you walk away? It seems it is a pretty new boat to have a major problem.

[SDSailor]

Feb 14, 2020 18:07:08 GMT zaphod said:

Feb 13, 2020 21:34:00 GMT SDSailor said:

Thank you for sharing. That is a well articulated write-up.  Sadly, we had to pass on this boat after our due diligence prior to making an offer. Continuing our search. 

I'm curious, what was wrong with the boat that made you walk away? It seems it is a pretty new boat to have a major problem.

Significant issue portending other issues. Sent you a message.

[elementje]

Hi,

As we have just bought a SO39i ourselves, any issues that might be more common for this type/model and I would need to look into?

Thanks in advance!

[SDSailor]

Not that I’m aware of. They are good boats. Just make sure your prop/shaft, AND strut are properly protected by zincs. 

[alenka]

N America/Canada  115v V's 230v.

Perhaps the big thing to check, apart form the system being set to the correct voltage for the country is the gauge of wiring used, which should be larger for 115v than for 230v.  I have no doubt someone can advise what it should be.

There should be no problem converting a 115v system to 230v but potential issues the other way around.

[zaphod]

Mar 1, 2020 18:50:58 GMT elementje said:

Hi,

As we have just bought a SO39i ourselves, any issues that might be more common for this type/model and I would need to look into?

Thanks in advance!

I researched these boats for quite a while and didn't come across any serious recurring issues. I have explored the nooks and crannies of our boat pretty thoroughly and haven't found anything questionable yet.

Having said that, I did find out that some of them have developed water leaks on the transom step that has resulted in the plywood under the teak decking rotting out if left unchecked. You can inspect that by crawling to the back of the aft berth and removing the access panel on the bulkhead. There you will see your steering gear and probably your heater if you have one. You can see the underside of the bottom transom step. If you see any sign of moisture on that wood you will want to redo the grout on the teak and stop the leak before the plywood rots.

I inspected mine and it is bone dry so far.

[element]

Thanks for the reassurance.
I had already read about the panel in the transom. `By our bout also bone dry. Nevertheless I want to reinforce this panel to enable the mounting of a windpilot.