Beneteau 57 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Beneteau 57 dates back to 2002, representing a significant model in Beneteau's extensive range of recreational sailboats. The design brief aimed to create a robust and capable bluewater cruiser that didn't compromise on sailing characteristics. Bruce Farr, known for his performance-oriented designs, envisioned the 57 as a fast cruiser, incorporating a sensible keel with a low aspect ratio and a reasonable rake on its leading edge. Beneteau's chief designer, Francois Chalain, played a pivotal role in the conceptualization, dreaming of creating a production boat like the 57. The yacht capitalizes on the extensive experience of both the Beneteau Design Office and Farr Yacht Design, a partnership well-proven in the industry.

Beneteau, with its heritage rooted in robust fishing trawlers, had by this era fully embraced fiberglass construction, allowing for efficient production and sophisticated designs. The company's manufacturing ethos in the early 2000s focused on balancing performance with comfort and affordability, making well-built, thoughtful yachts accessible to a broad market. The construction of the Beneteau 57 features a solid hull, consistent with Beneteau's other large vessels of the period. While primarily a deep-draft vessel, a shallow-draft version with a draft of 6.89 feet (2.1 meters) was also offered, providing versatility for various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 57 is engineered for impressive sailing performance, especially considering its substantial size and cruising amenities. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.26, she exhibits good performance in lighter winds, allowing for enjoyable cruising even when the breeze is moderate. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.352 indicates a moderately stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further enhancing its cruising capabilities, the displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 181.9 places the Beneteau 57 in the category of a relatively light to moderate displacement cruiser for its length. This combination allows for a good turn of speed without sacrificing the comfort and carrying capacity expected of a bluewater vessel. Reviews highlight that the Beneteau 57 feels solid in the water, even in fresh breezes, and is designed to efficiently cover long distances quickly, safely, and in maximum comfort. It is widely regarded as a luxury ocean-going cruiser offering excellent sailing performance coupled with ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau 57, crafted by Franck Darnet Design, is celebrated for its spaciousness and luxury, providing an exceptional living environment for extended cruising. The boat features a raised center cockpit design, which typically allows for an exceptionally large aft owner's stateroom, often described as one of the best cabins available on a production yacht. This aft cabin commonly includes a double island berth, providing superior comfort and privacy.

Beneteau offered at least four different interior layouts for the 57, allowing owners some customization to suit their cruising needs. Common to these layouts are well-appointed living areas, including a spacious saloon, a functional galley, and multiple cabin configurations, often featuring en-suite heads for privacy. The overall finish quality and use of materials contribute to an atmosphere of luxury and comfort, making the Beneteau 57 a suitable platform for long-term liveaboard cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 57 frequently praise its robust construction and its capability for extensive offshore passages, making it a popular choice for those embarking on long-distance journeys. The comfort and luxurious amenities aboard are consistently highlighted as significant strengths.

While generally well-regarded, some recurring discussions among owners have touched upon potential "rudder issues" and concerns regarding the functionality and maintenance of the "hydraulic stern platform." These aspects are sometimes discussed in online forums, suggesting they are areas where potential owners might seek further inspection or clarification. However, the prevailing sentiment underlines the Beneteau 57's reputation as a strong competitor in the bluewater cruiser market, often compared favorably to vessels from renowned builders like Amel and Oyster.