Possible new Jeanneau Owner seeking Wisdom!

[peterf909]

Hi,

We are considering the acquisition of a 2002 SO45.2...this instead of a new 42DS. Besides getting more boat for less $$$, I gather that the build quality of the older boats might be better, and then there is the benefit of someone else having worked out the bugs, which I see has been difficult for some of you.

What should I be looking for? I learned here about the mast compression issue. Did Jeanneau issue a fix on subsequent production after the problem was discovered? If so, is it known when it was cut in?

This is a one owner boat, very clean, maybe 380 hours.

I'd sure appreciate any input and advice for any other thing I should look for.

Thanks.

Peter

[grantgoulding]

The 45.2 is and feels a much bigger boat than the 42ds. It looks a little dated exterior wise but the quality is different certainly. In terms of sailing performance the 42 is sprightly and very striking in the looks department etc whilst the 45.2 more traditional. I have not heard of any problems on the 45.2. I have to say I would consider a used 42ds rather than a new one - the latest range have minimised even more and if I were to change my 42ds I would go for a 49ds or 45 non deck saloon. The 42 sails really well and my only gripe is the lack of sleeping cabins. Have you considered the 42i? I only mention this as as once you get bigger I do feel the costs/effort start to outweigh the gains but of course that depends upon what sailing you wish to do. I often wonder if I would be more happy with a 36i
Grant

[electricmonk]

As far as I know there were issues with mast compression on some early 45.2s but these were remedied by the factory. The 45.2 is a lot of boat for the money, my information is that Jeanneau stopped production because it was too highly spec ed for the market (at that time 2003 ish), up against aggressive cost cutting from Bavaria.

The 45.2 is a completely different boat from the more modern 42 or 45 for that matter. For a start its 47 ft long and some variants even have crew quarters in the bow. It's designed to cross oceans.

Compared to the modern interiors the 45.2 is mostly wood, the navigation area is vast whereas the modern trend is a mostly plastic interior with a small navigation station. I didn't like the linear galley but it sort of makes sense with the navigation area design.

The new offerings have a different rig, fractional with chain plates on the toe rail so they are mainsail driven, the 45.2 is a masthead rig and genoa powered with chain plates mounted inboard so you can sheet in a large genoa to get a finer angle on the wind.

There were lots of permutations of cabins and berths and heads - find one you like! We prefer a double aft cabin and a double forward cabin - ie a 4 berth.

I have sailed a shallow keel version with in-mast furling around the BVI and it was very stable and easy to sail. That said if I were buying one I would favour a slab main and the deep keel. But that is my personal preference.



I hope this helps