Beneteau and Jeanneau Brands and Models - Second Hand

When you're looking to buy a secondhand boat anywhere around the French Riviera, or to switch between owning, chartering, and selling, the French marques of Beneteau and Jeanneau are very hard to ignore. Both these brands offer a wide range of sailboats and motorboats, good resale value, and are strongly represented in the Mediterranean. In a region such as the Côte d'Azur, where terms such as boat sale Côte d'Azur, boats for sale Saint Tropez, and sailboat hire Saint-Tropez are not just search terms but part of everyday reality, a second hand Beneteau or Jeanneau often makes a lot of strategic sense.

Brand heritage and what makes them special

Beneteau

Founded in Vendée in France 140 years ago, the brand celebrates a long tradition of boat-building. In all, during these years, the brand has built a wide range of monohulls, motor yachts, and multihulls. It is part of Groupe Beneteau, which also houses Jeanneau and Lagoon, among others.

The firm Beneteau is known for offering boats that combine accessibility with quality — in particular for the cruising market. Indeed, their “Oceanis” line of boats is a well-known cruiser range of boats. In fact, one source notes that the group offers “38 boat models ranging from 4 to 24 m” under its sailing segment. (yachting-pleasure.com)

Jeanneau

Jeanneau has its roots in powerboats and sailboats; it was acquired by Groupe Beneteau in 1995. The brand identity is still distinct: from sailboats such as the Sun Odyssey to faster-oriented Sun Fast series, and the line of power boats. Interestingly enough, even though they share one group, Jeanneau still retains its design DNA and brand recognition.

In short, with either brand, you'll be buying from a large, well-established manufacturer with worldwide support-a plus for the second-hand market, spare parts, resale value, and marine community in general.

Buying secondhand: things to watch out for, particularly in the Mediterranean

Buying a secondhand boat is always a risk, but when you're doing so in a region like the Côte d'Azur / Saint-Tropez, you should pay attention to a few extras:

a) Salt-water / charter wear

Boats that have been chartered/as day-boats/week-charters, etc. can have higher wear: more engine hours, more usage of systems, more foot-traffic. This is especially true in the Mediterranean. Always check engine hours, maintenance logs, hull-condition, rigging for sailboats and any structural issues.

b) Documentation & ownership chain

Have clear ownership history, proof of maintenance, recent surveys (expert marine surveyor), records of antifouling, engine servicing, etc. Mediterranean mooring fees, tax regimes, VAT, and import issues-if you're buying from outside France-all matter.

c) Specific brand-model issues

With Beneteau/Jeanneau, there are pros and cons, such as:

• Beneteau is generally a good brand… but I have heard among sailors they sometimes refer to them as ‘Bendyboat’.

• Both are great brands. value for money, reliability and performance and looks in one package.

So: being realistic about condition, previous usage, and understanding that production-boats - even good ones - may have compromises is important.

d) Resale & market trends

On the Côte d’Azur, demand for second-hand boats is high, but so is supply. If you are considering buying a second-hand boat, give some thought to the following factors: how many similar boats are on the market, what is the resale value, what import/export problems might arise, and what continuing costs are involved in terms of berth, insurance and maintenance.

e) Service network, spares and support

Because Beneteau and Jeanneau are big brands, parts and service tend to be easily available in France/Mediterranean, which is a plus for a buyer who intends to charter the boat or keep it in the region.

Popular Models & What to Expect Second-Hand

Here are some of the models to pay attention to — with an idea of what you might find in the second-hand market:

For Beneteau

• The Oceanis 473, also called Beneteau 473, is a well-established cruiser design going back to about the year 2000.

• The newer models-for instance, the Oceanis 37.1, an electric propulsion version-are examples that show how the brand is moving forward toward sustainability. (theoneyd.com)

• Motor-yachts: e.g. Beneteau Swift Trawler range. 

For Jeanneau

• Sun Odyssey series - accessible cruising sailboats.

• Sun Fast series — more performance-oriented. For example, Sun Fast 37 (built around 2000) is a Jeanneau design. 

• Power boats / day-boats: Jeanneau Cap Camarat, Merry Fisher etc. 

What Second-Hand Buyers Might See

• Age/Range: Many boats in the 10-20 year range are available (2000-2015 production).

• Condition: Boats that have been chartered or heavily used will have more 'wear' and perhaps require significant refurbishment.

• Price: Dependent a lot on the size, condition, location, engine hours, and equipment. But given the popularity of Beneteau/Jeanneau and the market in the Côte d'Azur, you'll find competition and some opportunities for good deals.

• Charter potential If you intend to charter your boat (see below), purchasing a brand with good charter pedigree can help.

Advantages of Second-Hand Buying with These Brands

• Better market recognition = easier to resell.

• Parts/support availability.

• Establishment in design and build.

• Large owners' community (helpful for advice, spares, maintenance).

Second-Hand Risks

• Production boat means less exclusivity-many boats like it.

• There may be a larger maintenance backlog, especially with older hulls, systems.

• More corrosion, more engine hours, UV exposure in Mediterranean salt-water environment.

Linking Boat Ownership to Rental, Sale & Services in Saint-Tropez / Côte d’Azur

One of the things that makes this region so unique is the fact that boat ownership in the Côte d'Azur does not just relate to keeping the boat, but very often integrates with charter, rental, sale, and even maintenance or service. Let's tie in your keywords and how they make sense in this ecosystem.

Boat rental Saint-Tropez / Cheap yacht hire Saint-Tropez

If you happen to own a secondhand Beneteau or Jeanneau near Saint-Tropez, you might want to consider offering it for charter or partial charter. Boat rental Saint-Tropez and cheap yacht hire Saint-Tropez reflect market segments: holidaymakers who want to rent a boat for a day or week around Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne, the nearby islands (Porquerolles etc.). You'll probably find more interest if you choose a well-known brand and model.

Sailboat rental Saint-Tropez

Especially if you choose a sailboat rather than a motorboat-many a sailor visiting the Côte d'Azur will prefer the real sailing experience. Second-hand Jeanneau Sun Odyssey or Beneteau Oceanis can serve this market niche. The availability of a sailboat for hire increases your revenue potential.

RIB for rent Saint-Tropez

RIBs are popular for day-boats, water-sports, speed runs. If you plan to buy second-hand motorboat from these brands-or affiliated-you can also integrate RIB hire: another stream of income or usage.

Boat sale Côte d’Azur / Boats for sale Saint-Tropez / Catamaran for sale Côte d’Azur

The resale market is relevant only if your plan involves buying and subsequently selling-or you are a broker/owner seeking to exit. Also, relevant are catamarans: though more monohulls, Beneteau and Jeanneau are represented within the group, including multihulls-Lagoon and Excess-and there is demand on the Côte d'Azur for catamarans for sale. These two together embrace the sea‐of possibilities: for instance, in the group's catalog, the numbers show multihulls in the offering. 

Boat delivery / Yacht maintenance Côte d’Azur / Yacht captain hire

Owning a boat in the region comes with services: delivery, if you buy from elsewhere or move the boat; ongoing maintenance, very important in saltwater and high usage; and if you don't want to skipper yourself, you can hire a captain. These services are part and parcel of the yacht ecosystem in and around Saint-Tropez.

By choosing a popular brand and model - like Beneteau or Jeanneau - you make maintenance and spare-part access easier, and you make the boat more attractive for charter or resale.

Practical Tips for the Côte d'Azur Market

Inspect the boat in situ: If purchasing secondhand in the Saint-Tropez region, actually take a look at the boat in daylight. Check for hull condition, engine hours, service records, rigging (for sailboats), outboard/prop systems, electrics, bilge, antifouling.

Check mooring/dock rights: Moorings in the Mediterranean are expensive and competitive. Factor annual mooring fees into your cost of ownership.

Charter licensing/regulations: If you plan rental, understand the local regulations regarding charter in France.

VAT/import issues: If the boat was imported or was previously chartered, check the VAT status.

Seasonal use: Many owners don't use their boats throughout the year; consider winter storage, hull maintenance, antifouling.

Insurance: The boat should be properly insured-both for liability, damage, and theft. The premiums are higher for older boats.

Resale strategy: If buying second-hand, think ahead: will you keep for many years, or resell? Choose a boat with a good re-sale track record.

Hire a marine surveyor: If you are not a full-time boater, it will be wise to hire a professional to inspect the boat.

Conclusion

In case you're considering buying a secondhand boat along the Côte d'Azur or around Saint-Tropez, choosing a brand such as Beneteau or Jeanneau gives you a very solid starting point. Name recognition, a broad model range, solid support network, and existing market presence offer clear advantages.

But as with all boat ownership, the choice goes way beyond brand. It can depend heavily on the model, age, condition, usage history, service record, and how you plan to use the boat: private cruising, charter, day‐trip rental, sale. Your secondhand purchase has turned more than just a boat into an asset for you in this vibrant market of the Mediterranean, with services that range from boat rental Saint-Tropez, cheap yacht hire Saint-Tropez, boat sale Côte d'Azur, sailboat hire Saint-Tropez, catamaran for sale Côte d’Azur, RIB for rent Saint-Tropez, boats for sale Saint Tropez, boat delivery, yacht maintenance Côte d’Azur, and yacht captain hire.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are Beneteau and Jeanneau good brands for second-hand boating?

Yes - both brands are well-established, widely supported, and have strong resale values. The fact that they're part of a large manufacturing group - Groupe Beneteau - means global support and parts. But as with any second-hand boat, condition, usage history, and maintenance matter more than brand alone.

Q2: How do I choose between Beneteau vs Jeanneau?

It depends on priorities. If you like the brand identity of Jeanneau-for example, Sun Odyssey or Sun Fast sailboats-you might lean Jeanneau. If you like Beneteau's Oceanis line or motor-yachts, then Beneteau. Often, the choice comes down to a specific model, condition, and equipment rather than the brand alone. Also, check the availability of spares and service for that model in the particular region, Côte d'Azur.

Q3: Which models are sensible for the Côte d’Azur second-hand market?

For sailboats: Beneteau Oceanis 40–50 ft, Beneteau 331, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37–45 ft. On motor-boats, you have the Beneteau Antares range and Jeanneau Cap Camarat range. For day-boats, you might even consider smaller Jeanneau/Merry Fisher or Beneteau Antares. The key is size (which affects mooring cost), condition, and suitability for Mediterranean use.

Q4: If I buy second-hand can I rent the boat out or do charter?

Yes — many owners choose to offset costs by offering day-boat hire or week-charter. If you want “cheap yacht hire Saint-Tropez” you need to make sure the boat is well maintained and attractive to renters, compliant with local charter regulations, and well-marketed. A well-known brand helps rental appeal.

Q5: And what about catamarans and RIBs?

Although Beneteau and Jeanneau are strong in monohulls and motorboats, if your interest is in “catamaran for sale Côte d’Azur” or “RIB for rent Saint-Tropez”, then you might widen your search beyond them. The group’s Lagoon brand is relevant to catamarans, but if you prefer the Beneteau/Jeanneau network for parts and service you may want to focus on their suitable models.