Oceanis 300 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The Beneteau Oceanis 300 emerged during a period when Beneteau was firmly established in fiberglass construction, a revolution spearheaded by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons in the 1960s. This transition allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal beyond traditional fishing fleets. The Oceanis 300, designed by Jean-Marie Finot, was part of Beneteau's "Oceanis" range, which was conceived to offer long-distance, blue-water cruisers emphasizing comfort and the pleasure of living at sea. Production of the Oceanis 300 ran from 1991 to 1995.

A notable aspect of the Oceanis 300's design is its shared hull with several other Beneteau models of the era, including the performance-oriented FIGARO SOLO, FIRST 310, FIRST 31.7, and the OCEANIS CLIPPER 311. This shared lineage suggests a well-proven and versatile hull form. The Oceanis 300 itself is often described as being "basically a First 310" but configured with a shorter masthead rig and a roller furling mainsail, along with additional storage and water capacity, tailoring it more specifically for cruising comfort over outright racing performance. This strategic design choice allowed Beneteau to leverage a successful hull while offering distinct models catering to different sailing preferences, aligning with their broader ethos of balancing performance and comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 300 offers a spirited yet manageable sailing experience, a hallmark of Beneteau's design philosophy that marries performance with cruising comfort. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.06, the Oceanis 300 indicates good potential for light-air performance. This higher ratio suggests that the boat is well-powered for its displacement, allowing it to move efficiently even in lighter winds, which is a desirable trait for a comfortable cruiser.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 0.338. While this is slightly lower than what might be found in more aggressively stiff performance boats (e.g., above 0.40), it still provides a decent level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind comfortably. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 136.17, places the Oceanis 300 in a lighter, more performance-oriented category for its length. This suggests that despite being designed as a cruiser, the Oceanis 300 is not overly heavy for its waterline length of 28.67 feet, contributing to a respectable hull speed of 7.17 knots and overall agile handling. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are limited in available public reviews, the shared hull with the performance-focused First series implies a capable and responsive sailing platform.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Oceanis 300, while specific details vary by individual boat and owner customizations, generally follows a comfortable and practical layout typical of cruising sailboats of its era. Beneteau's Oceanis range is known for prioritizing comfortable accommodations and spacious interiors, designed for the pleasure of living aboard.

Owners can expect a well-appointed interior that maximizes the available space within its 31-foot length overall. While the exact maximum headroom is not consistently specified, Beneteau's commitment to liveability suggests adequate standing room in the main salon area. Standard cruising layouts typically feature a V-berth forward, providing a private sleeping cabin. The main salon would likely include settees that can serve as berths, often surrounding a folding dining table. A compact galley, equipped with basic cooking facilities, and a dedicated head (bathroom) with marine toilet and sink would also be present. Aft, there is typically a quarter berth or an aft cabin, offering additional sleeping arrangements. Storage is usually integrated throughout the boat with lockers and shelving. The design emphasizes natural light and ventilation, crucial for comfort during extended periods aboard. The Beneteau Oceanis 300 carries a substantial water capacity of 65 gallons, supporting longer stays aboard, while its 18-gallon fuel tank is suitable for its Volvo Penta MD2002 diesel engine.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive specific owner reviews for the Beneteau Oceanis 300 are not broadly centralized, the general sentiment regarding Beneteau's Oceanis line often highlights their accessibility, comfortable interiors, and robust construction suitable for cruising. Owners frequently praise the brand's extensive dealer network and the sense of community within Beneteau owners' groups. Common themes across the broader Beneteau fleet suggest that while generally well-built, some older models may exhibit issues typical of their age, such as gelcoat cracking or requiring re-bedding of original deck fittings over time. However, these are general observations and not necessarily specific to the Oceanis 300. Overall, the Oceanis 300 is typically viewed as a reliable and enjoyable cruiser, consistent with Beneteau's reputation for producing popular and practical sailing yachts.