Oceanis 473 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau Oceanis 473 entered production in 2000 and was manufactured until 2005. The design brief for the Oceanis 473, as envisioned by Jean-Marie Finot and Beneteau, focused on delivering a comfortable and easily manageable cruising vessel capable of undertaking long journeys. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Beneteau's broader manufacturing ethos during this era, which saw the company fully embrace fiberglass construction to democratize sailing, balance performance with comfort, and consistently collaborate with renowned naval architects. Beneteau's dedication to efficient production methods and robust build quality underpinned the construction of the Oceanis 473, ensuring a reliable and value-driven yacht.

Throughout its production run, the Oceanis 473 offered versatility in its configurations to cater to diverse owner needs. While sharing a common hull and rig, variations included different interior layouts, ranging from two-cabin owner's versions to three or four-cabin arrangements. Furthermore, owners could choose between a standard keel and a deeper draft option, as well as a classic masthead sloop rig or a convenient in-mast furling system. Some performance-oriented owner's versions were even equipped with a taller cutter rig for enhanced sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 473 exhibits a well-balanced set of performance ratios that underscore its identity as a capable cruising boat. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.06, the Oceanis 473 offers a good balance between sail power and hull resistance. This suggests that she is sufficiently powered for comfortable cruising in light to moderate winds, yet not excessively overpowered in heavier conditions, making for a satisfying sailing experience without being a dedicated light-air performer.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 33.6 percent. While not exceptionally high, this moderate ballast ratio provides adequate initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze and maintain a comfortable angle of heel under sail, suitable for a cruiser of her size.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 128.8, places the Oceanis 473 in the lighter to moderate displacement category for a boat of her length overall of nearly 47 feet. This indicates a design that prioritizes performance and a relatively easy motion through the water, suggesting efficiency in cruising speeds and less resistance compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers. Anecdotal reports suggest that while the helm can feel somewhat heavy, the Oceanis 473 generally delivers a pleasing sailing performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited detail in primary specifications, the interior of the Beneteau Oceanis 473 is widely regarded for its elegant and spacious design, creating a cocoon-like environment flooded with natural light. The thoughtful design provides significant living volume below deck, which is a hallmark of the Oceanis range.

Layouts typically feature a comfortable main salon, often with a U-shaped settee and a dining table, complemented by a linear or L-shaped galley designed for practicality at sea. Depending on the specific configuration, accommodations can vary from a luxurious two-cabin owner's version, which often includes a large master stateroom forward with an en-suite head, to more charter-friendly three or four-cabin layouts, offering multiple double berths and additional heads. Beneteau's standard of finish quality from this era often includes warm wood trim combined with clean fiberglass surfaces, contributing to a robust yet inviting ambiance. Storage is generally ample, and ventilation is typically well-addressed with numerous hatches and ports, contributing to comfort during extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 473 frequently praise the model for its comfortable motion in a seaway, solid construction, and ease of handling, particularly for long-distance cruising. The boat's blend of performance and comfort, combined with its innovative design, consistently receives positive feedback. The significant production numbers—with 400 units launched by the end of 2002, just two years after its introduction—underscore its widespread appeal and commercial success.

However, common discussion points among owners include the noted tendency for a heavy helm. Some forum discussions have also touched upon specific issues such as cavitation vibration when running the engine at higher RPMs, particularly with certain propeller types like the Maxi prop. Furthermore, a recurring topic in online communities relates to Beneteau's grid system used for hull reinforcement, with some owners discussing potential issues. As with any production boat of this vintage, routine maintenance issues such as re-bedding original deck fittings to address leaks are common, though not unique to the 473.