"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
ups.com...
The 38s5 is larger and faster of course. It was designed due to the
success of the 35s5 which was selling very well in Europe. Jack Horner
warns that the shoal draft model has a keel that draws less than the
rudder. I haven't sailed the 38s5, but would expect it to be a lot like
our boat, fast and responsive. Horner also mentions the boat's numbers
adding up to an initially tender boat.
The interior is essentially identical to ours with a bit more floor
space. The charter version with double aft cabins has the head forward,
while the 35s5 charter version kept the head aft. Here's what Bob Perry
has to say about the Stark interior designs:

"The first Beneteau interiors that were designed by Starck were greeted
with comments about radically modern style. I find these interiors
novel and modern but strangely comfortable with their blend of aluminum
details and curved, dark mahogany panels. In some ways, these interiors
seem more traditional than do the "apple crate" all teak interiors that
bombarded us in the last decade. "

We preferred our odd ports to the mismatched ports of the 38s5 because
they let more light in. Other than that we agree with Perry's
assessment. These interiors are rather shocking when you first see
them, then end up feeling even more traditional and warm, especially
with the teak interior and dark fabrics. I guess that's partly why they
won design awards.
I think the 38s5 is a great boat...get aboard for a sail and let us
know what you think.

I haven't met the couple who bought it, but that will be quickly remedied
come spring.

I've always liked Starck's interiors. The first one we saw was at an
in-the-water boat show, and the dealership had put some faux ferns and
plants on the flat areas, plus a framed photograph and a framed painting on
bulkheads. The effect was pleasant and comfortable-looking, and the quality
looked really good; better than Beneteau's current Oceanis line, which has
lots of quality control problems IMO.

It will be interesting to compare the performance of this 38s5 to my
friend's 445, just acquired this past fall. I think the 38 will be probably
be faster.

Max