Beneteau 473 Information, Review, Specs

The Beneteau 473’s production run from 2000 to 2005 saw over 400 units built within the first two years, highlighting its immediate popularity. Designed by Groupe Finot, the vessel reflects their philosophy of creating performance-oriented designs with an emphasis on speed and efficiency, while also catering to the needs of comfortable cruising. The specific goals for the 473 included offering a cruising boat suitable for long voyages, ensuring ease of use, and maintaining the stability and balanced heeling characteristics seen in successful predecessors like the Oceanis 411. The design of the Beneteau 473 is characterized by a significant hull volume, a powerful, high-flared bow, a modern "L" shaped bulbous keel, and a broad beam that extends well aft. Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck, the boat features a keel-stepped mast and dual steering wheels, common attributes of robust cruising yachts.

Beneteau offered the 473 with two draft options: a standard draft of approximately 5 feet 7 inches and a deeper draft of 6 feet 11 inches. The deeper keel variant notably enhanced the boat's sailing performance across various points of sail. Furthermore, the model was available in multiple interior configurations to suit different needs, including two, three, and four-cabin layouts. An "Owner's Version" was also offered, featuring a larger master stateroom with an en-suite head. The "Oceanis Clipper 473" designation indicated versions that came with additional cruising features and upgraded interior finishes as standard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 473 is recognized for its pleasing sailing performance, offering a good balance between speed and comfort. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.5 suggests reasonably good performance, providing adequate power for various sailing conditions without aiming for the high-performance threshold of dedicated racing yachts. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 33.6% might suggest a less stiff configuration compared to heavier ballasted boats. However, the strategic placement of its bulb keel significantly enhances stability, making it stiffer than this ratio alone might imply. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 129, the Beneteau 473 falls into the light displacement category, indicating a design focused on efficient sailing without requiring excessive sail area to reach its hull speed of approximately 8.9 knots.

Owners and reviewers frequently note that the 473 handles well, especially in stronger breezes. It is described as being "happy to accelerate at the hint of an extra puff but well mannered with it." In moderate winds of 8-10 knots, the boat can comfortably achieve speeds around 7.6 knots on a tight reach and about 5.5 knots hard on the wind. In stronger gusts of 10-15 knots, she accelerates quickly, often exceeding 10 knots. The boat exhibits good "heeling hardness," particularly with the deeper draft option, providing a dry cockpit even in conditions with 25 knots of wind. While some reviewers have noted a slightly heavy helm that can lack feel due to the twin wheel arrangement, this characteristic tends to diminish as boat speed increases, and sailors quickly adapt to it. The broad stern, while contributing to interior volume, can occasionally be pushed around by following seas. Despite these minor points, the 473 is generally praised for its stability and good blue water potential, with at least one unit successfully completing the ARC rally. Its sail controls and twin-wheel cockpit design make it well-suited for short-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The Beneteau 473 excels in providing exceptional interior comfort, volume, and natural light, creating an inviting and spacious living environment below deck. The generous beam, carried well aft, contributes to an expansive cockpit area and allows for remarkably spacious interior accommodations.

The interior layout was offered in several configurations:

• Two-Cabin Layout: This version typically features a large L-shaped galley located to starboard at the companionway, equipped with a four-burner stove, refrigerator, top-loading freezer, and twin sinks optimally placed on the centerline for drainage on either tack. This layout also includes an immense lazarette to starboard, accessible from both the cockpit and the galley.
• Three-Cabin Layout: In this popular configuration, two spacious double cabins are located aft, often described as "mirror image" berths. The forward cabin typically features an island berth and a private en-suite head with a stall shower. While this layout is ideal for family cruising, some compromise on galley counter space and lazarette storage exists as the starboard aft cabin intrudes into the galley area.
• Four-Cabin Layout: Primarily designed for the charter market, this layout divides the forward V-berth into two smaller cabins, and the galley moves into the main salon.

All interior layouts on the Beneteau 473 include two heads. The main salon is typically immense, featuring a U-shaped settee and a bench seat to starboard that can comfortably seat up to seven around a large table, with an additional curved two-seat bench to port. A forward-facing navigation station is situated opposite the galley, offering a well-sized desk and ample space for mounting electronics. The interior boasts a glossy finish and benefits from extensive natural light and ventilation through numerous hatches (10 opening) and fixed ports (8 opening hull ports). While the design includes ample storage with cubbies throughout the interior and generously proportioned cockpit lockers, one reviewer noted a lack of dorades, compensated by multiple low-profile deck hatches on the foredeck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 473 consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, often reporting that the boat handles various weather conditions with ease. Many highlight its suitability for socializing, with spacious saloon and cockpit areas that can accommodate numerous guests. Its design, particularly the dual-wheel steering and well-led lines to the cockpit, makes it a highly manageable boat, even for short-handed sailing. The boat is frequently lauded for its good value for money within its class. The ability to perform well in light air (above 5-6 knots true wind) and accelerate quickly in stronger puffs adds to its appeal as a "performance cruiser."

However, some common themes emerge regarding potential challenges. The heavy helm, while adaptable, is a frequent point of discussion, though some attribute it to friction in the twin-wheel system. The large, original 140-150% genoa, while contributing to performance, can be somewhat unwieldy, especially for charter operations or if not paired with a smaller staysail option for heavy weather. A recurring cosmetic issue noted by owners of blue-hulled versions is the tendency for the hull to fade, often requiring a re-spray with Awlgrip. More serious, though less frequent, issues reported by some owners of older boats include seawater leaks from transom drain holes, and freshwater leaks from tank fittings or rain ingress down the mast, leading to wet bilges. Owners contemplating extensive offshore use may also consider adding lee cloths to salon settees, as the standard forward cabin might not be ideal for sleeping in rough conditions. Despite these points, the overwhelming sentiment from owners is one of satisfaction, appreciating the Beneteau 473's blend of cruising capability, comfort, and performance.