Oceanis Clipper 523 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Built by the globally renowned French shipyard Beneteau, the Oceanis Clipper 523 embodies the company's long-standing tradition of blending practical construction with appealing design. Beneteau, which began its journey in 1884 building fishing trawlers, transitioned to fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a pivotal move that allowed for the mass production of recreational yachts known for their robust build quality and thoughtful design. This vessel reflects Beneteau's ethos of producing well-built, accessible yachts that balance performance and comfort, characteristics that have solidified their reputation in the sailing community.

History and Design

The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 523 first emerged in 2001, designed by the prolific naval architecture firm Groupe Finot (Jean-Marie Finot and Pascal Conq). Groupe Finot is known for their innovative and performance-oriented designs, and their collaboration with Beneteau has been instrumental in shaping many of the shipyard's successful cruising ranges. The specific design philosophy for the 523 aimed to create a yacht where "pleasure, luxury, comfort and safety rule on board," emphasizing spaciousness and ease of handling.

During the era of the 523's production, Beneteau was fully embracing its "fiberglass revolution," focusing on efficient production methods to make sailing more accessible while maintaining a commitment to robust construction. The Oceanis Clipper 523 reflects this, built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. While the exact end year of its production isn't specified in the initial data, examples were actively sold into at least 2007 and 2008. The model was also known simply as the Oceanis 523 and was offered with a variety of interior layouts to cater to different owner preferences, ranging from a dedicated owner's version to configurations with up to five cabins, including a five-head charter version. A shallow draft version, reducing the draft to approximately 5.92 feet, was also available alongside the standard deeper keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of just over 53 feet and a waterline length of 48 feet, the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 523 is a substantial yacht designed for comfortable passage making. Its sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 21.84, suggests a powerful sail plan capable of good performance even in lighter air, indicating a yacht that should move well given its size. The displacement to length ratio of around 279.08 classifies it as a heavier cruiser, pointing to a vessel that prioritizes a comfortable motion in a seaway over light-displacement speed.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio, reported at approximately 35.5% (using 10,965 lbs of ballast), contributes to the yacht's stability, allowing it to stand up to the wind effectively, though not as stiffly as vessels with ratios above 40%. Despite its considerable size, the Oceanis Clipper 523 is often described as "light and easy to handle". Its design allows for efficient sailing even with a minimal crew, with two people capable of handling the boat without excessive effort. The cockpit is thoughtfully laid out, providing ample space for entertaining while still being set up for efficient sail management with twin helm stations offering excellent visibility. Owners and reviewers highlight its docile behavior under engine and its general seaworthiness, making it suitable for bluewater cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 523 is designed for luxury, comfort, and safety, reflecting its flagship status. Owners and reviews consistently describe the interior as "extremely spacious". The builders ensured that "nothing has been left to chance when it comes to interior design," focusing on providing a lavish and practical living space.

The 523 was offered with a wide array of interior configurations to suit diverse needs, from private owner's layouts to multi-cabin charter versions. A common arrangement found includes four double cabins, each typically with a private bathroom, accommodating up to eight people. Some specific layouts feature a plush owner's stateroom located aft, complemented by three additional private cabins forward or amidships. The generous volume of the hull allows for substantial stowage capacity throughout the boat, a critical feature for extended cruising. Additionally, the vessel boasts significant water and fuel tankage, further enhancing its self-sufficiency for longer journeys. While specific details on materials vary, Beneteau typically uses a combination of wood trim and fiberglass liners, aiming for an appealing finish that balances aesthetics with durability and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 523 generally praise its capabilities as a comfortable and seaworthy cruiser. The yacht is often chosen by those looking for a spacious vessel suitable for extended family voyages or charter operations, given its flexible layout options. The dual helm stations and well-designed deck layout are frequently appreciated for enhancing ease of handling and visibility, even for a boat of its size. The robust build quality typical of Beneteau's production is often noted, reinforcing confidence in its bluewater capabilities. While general issues like creaking sounds or potential fiberglass concerns have been noted across various Beneteau models, specific widespread or recurring problems unique to the Oceanis Clipper 523 are not predominantly reported in general owner discussions. The availability of online forums and owner groups further contributes to a strong sense of community among Beneteau owners, facilitating shared experiences and support.