Beneteau 62 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Beneteau 62 commenced in 1995, marking its entry into the market as a significant offering for discerning sailors seeking a large, capable cruising yacht. The design brief for this model was entrusted to Bruce Farr, a naval architect celebrated for creating performance-oriented sailboats. Farr's philosophy, which consistently translates into fast sailing vessels, aimed to deliver a yacht capable of swift offshore passages. This era for Beneteau was characterized by an embrace of fiberglass construction, allowing for efficient production methods while maintaining a focus on creating yachts that harmonized performance with comfort.

The Beneteau 62 shares a close lineage with the CNB 64, with some units of the Beneteau 62 built by Beneteau/CNB, indicating a collaborative effort during its production run. CNB Yachts, which joined the Beneteau Group in 1992, focused on building custom and semi-custom blue water yachts, emphasizing "one-of-a-kind design". This heritage underpins the Beneteau 62's reputation for solid construction and thoughtful design. Adding a distinctive touch, the interior was penned by Pininfarina, renowned for their automotive styling, bringing a unique aesthetic and luxurious feel to the yacht's living spaces.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 62, with a length overall of 62.17 feet and a waterline length of 51.17 feet, is characterized by design elements geared towards efficient and exhilarating sailing. Its reported sail area of 2250 square feet combined with a displacement of 55,115 pounds yields a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 24.8. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Beneteau 62 is well-powered for its size, indicating strong performance potential, particularly in lighter air conditions.

The yacht's ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) stands at around 31.4%, a moderate figure that contributes to a balanced level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heel, while still ensuring a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 183.6, the Beneteau 62 is positioned as a relatively light displacement cruiser for its size, contributing to its performance-oriented character. This combination of ratios, coupled with its spade rudder and bulb keel, points to a vessel that is not only stable but also agile and responsive at the helm. Bruce Farr's design consistently translates to fast sailing, with anecdotal reports suggesting the Beneteau 62 is capable of "200 plus mile days" offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau 62, styled by Pininfarina, was crafted to provide expansive and luxurious living spaces suitable for extended cruising. The yacht typically features a generous four-stateroom, four-head layout, offering ample privacy and comfort for multiple guests or a large family. A hallmark of its design is a "huge, well ventilated bright and airy forward" master cabin, a concept often seen in larger luxury yachts where the owner's suite is given prime real estate.

The emphasis on ventilation and natural light contributes to a pleasant atmosphere below deck. While specific details on materials and storage would vary with individual yachts and customization, the overall impression conveyed by reviews is one of high-quality finish and thoughtful ergonomics. The Pininfarina influence would likely manifest in elegant lines, sophisticated material choices, and a refined aesthetic throughout the salon, galley, and private cabins, creating an environment described as "beautiful" and "pleasing to the eye".