Boat maker Beneteau says H1 sales drop 46.7 pct

PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) - French boat maker Beneteau (CHBE.PA) said fiscal first-half sales fell 46.7 percent as the financial crisis caused the market to collapse by around half.

Consolidated revenue was 238.4 million euros ($314.8 million) in the six months ended Feb. 28, down from 447.6 million a year earlier, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. Like-for-like sales fell 42.6 percent. The company indicated that it would have to shed almost 600 jobs.

"To ensure its long-term viability and participate in the future realignment of the global competitive landscape, the company does not have any other choice than to adapt its workforce in line with the developments on the market," Beneteau said.

"Out of an estimated overstaffing representing 1,590 positions, it believes that it will be possible to safeguard the equivalent of 1,000 jobs." ($1=.7574 EURO) (Reporting by James Regan)