Oceanis 320 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau Oceanis 320 was introduced in 1987, marking its place as one of the earliest models in the now-iconic Oceanis range. Production continued until around 1992, with approximately 350 units built during this period. This era saw Beneteau, a company with roots in building robust fishing vessels since 1884, fully embrace fiberglass construction, a transition spearheaded by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons, André and François. The move to fiberglass in the 1960s revolutionized their approach, allowing for more efficient production and lighter hulls that appealed to a burgeoning leisure market.

Philippe Briand's design for the Oceanis 320 was conceived during a period of increasing demand for family-oriented coastal cruisers. His goal was to create a vessel that offered a manageable size combined with respectable sailing and handling characteristics. Beneteau's manufacturing ethos during this time focused on delivering well-built, thoughtfully designed yachts that were accessible and appealed to a broad range of sailors. The Oceanis 320 maintained a consistent design throughout its production run, typically featuring tiller steering and a largely uniform interior layout, though some boats have since been retrofitted with wheel steering.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 320 is characterized by balanced and predictable handling, making her a pleasant vessel for cruising. While not designed as a high-performance racer, she is noted for moving smartly, particularly in lighter air and offwind directions.

Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 19.99 suggests good light-air performance, indicating that she can generate sufficient power to move effectively even in gentle breezes. With a Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.30 (30%), the Oceanis 320 exhibits a moderate degree of stiffness, providing a stable platform in various conditions without being overly tender. Her Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 185.66 indicates a relatively light displacement for her waterline length, contributing to her ability to perform well and offer a lively feel at the helm.

The masthead sloop rig is moderate and generally easy to handle, contributing to her appeal as a family cruiser. Owners have noted that the tiller steering, while responsive, "could be a handful if pushed hard to windward." Overall, the Oceanis 320 is praised for striking a good balance between her sailing capabilities and the comfort she provides, making her suitable for coastal cruising and even inland waterways.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Beneteau Oceanis 320 is designed to maximize interior volume, offering comfortable and practical accommodations typical of the Oceanis range. The layout is structured to provide ample living space for its size, often featuring a "familiar layout of separate aft heads". Owners frequently comment on the generous headroom, enabling comfortable movement throughout the cabin.

While specific details on the interior finish can vary with age and maintenance, Beneteau typically utilized a blend of functional fiberglass moldings with warm wood trim, creating a welcoming and durable environment. The common interior arrangement includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment, commonly located aft. Ample storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin, crucial for cruising provisions and personal gear. Ventilation is generally achieved through deck hatches and portlights, ensuring airflow in warmer climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 320 generally appreciate its solid construction and its ability to provide comfortable motion in a seaway, aligning with Beneteau's reputation for value and reliability. Many find the boat's design well-suited for its intended purpose as a coastal cruiser, offering a good balance of sailing characteristics and comfort. The moderate rig and predictable handling are frequently cited as positives, making her a forgiving boat for a range of skill levels.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted that the boat is "not really designed for extended passagemaking," suggesting that while capable, she is best suited for coastal and nearshore adventures rather than extensive offshore voyages. Common maintenance points, as with many boats of her age, often involve owners retrofitting or upgrading systems such as autopilots, sail inventories, or anchor systems to meet modern cruising standards. While some general issues like creaking sounds or potential deck fitting leaks can arise on older Beneteau models, these are not unique to the 320 and are often part of typical boat ownership at this age. The relatively consistent design, with most units featuring tiller steering and the same interior layout, simplifies maintenance and parts sourcing for owners.