Well, much like Doug's know how about surveys, Loco recently said that
Beneteau is just like a European Hunter. Lets have a look at that
statement.

They are sold as step up boats here while in
europe they are looked at as Hunters.

Does Hunter build boats that perform like the 35s5?
No
Does Hunter build boats that are built to a high standard like the
First series?
No
Does Hunter put performance ahead of cabin size?
No
Does Hunter build race boats like the first series at all?
No

So what does Loco mean? Is he upset because Hunter, Beneteau and
Catalina were able to weather the 80's while the clowns who built his
still-born Depress 30 couldn't make it work?
Sorry, Loco...My boat and Donal's are faster and more fun. They are
also more valuable, nicer to look at and be aboard.
Few people ever heard of an Express 30. It's a footnote. The First
series, starting in the late 80's has been pushing the envelope for
high performance cruising in a reasonably priced package. That said, my
boat sold for a LOT more than yours new because it's a better, faster,
roomier design.

Comparing a Beneteau First series to a Hunter, Catalina or other family
cruiser of the same intent shows a paramount ignorance about boats. And
that's Loco all over!

Robert B
Beneteau First 35s5
NY