The Baroudeur, designed by André Bénéteau and built by the Beneteau shipyard between 1970 and 1980, is a compact yet robust sailboat, ideal for sailors seeking a classic and highly durable vessel. Approximately 200 units were built, making it a relatively rare model, sought after by classic yacht enthusiasts.
Design and Construction
The Baroudeur has an overall length of 6.80 meters and a beam of 2.49 meters, making it agile and maneuverable, suitable for coastal sailing or inland waters. Its displacement of 2,300 kg and long keel with transom-hung rudder provide stability and good performance in challenging conditions, while its maximum draft of 1.05 meters allows access to shallow harbors.
The construction in fiberglass (FG) was innovative for its time, offering strength and durability while keeping the weight low for easier handling both in the water and on land.
Performance
This sailboat is rigged as a masthead sloop with a sail area of 24.71 m², offering a balanced compromise between power and control. Its performance ratios, such as a S.A./Displacement ratio of 14.46, show that it is optimized for safe navigation rather than extreme speed, making it ideal for leisurely cruising.
The Renault gasoline engine with 15 HP provides reliability in low-wind conditions or for port maneuvers, although many owners have upgraded to more modern engines.
On-Water Behavior
Its Comfort Ratio of 23.72 and a Capsize Screening Index of 1.90 indicate that the Baroudeur is a safe boat with good capacity to withstand rough seas, without being prone to capsizing in adverse conditions. Its theoretical hull speed is 5.87 knots, which is in line with other sailboats of its size.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Baroudeur is an ideal vessel for sailors looking for a reliable, easy-to-handle boat with classic charm. Despite its modest dimensions, it offers excellent seaworthiness, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors interested in recreational or coastal cruising.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Long keel w/transom hung rudder |
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA | 22.31 ft / 6.80 m |
| LWL | 19.19 ft / 5.85 m |
| Sail Area (reported) | 266.00 ft² / 24.71 m² |
| Beam | 8.17 ft / 2.49 m |
| Displacement | 5,071.00 lb / 2,300 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653.00 lb / 750 kg |
| Max Draft | 3.44 ft / 1.05 m |
| Construction | Fiberglass (FG) |
| First Built | 1970 |
| Last Built | 1980 |
| Number Built | 200 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | André Bénéteau |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
| Make | Renault |
| Type | Gas |
| HP | 15 |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displacement | 14.46 |
| Ballast / Displacement | 32.60 |
| Displacement / Length | 320.35 |
| Comfort Ratio | 23.72 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 1.90 |
| Hull Speed | 5.87 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 560.20 pounds/inch |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Baroudeur sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.