At 14,550 lb displacement, with 3,871 lb of iron ballast in a deep fin keel, the 373 is a moderate-displacement coastal and offshore cruiser rather than a lightweight racer. Her RCD Category A rating reflects a design brief focused on bluewater-capable passage making rather than sheltered-water daysailing.
Design and Construction
The 373 has a solid fiberglass hull and a solid fiberglass deck. The standard deep fin keel draws 6ft 3in, while an optional shallow fin draws 5ft 1in. Her displacement-to-length ratio of 184 puts her firmly in the cruising band, and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17 indicates modest sail area for her weight. The structural approach is conventional solid laminate.
A hinged companionway step system lifts to reveal the Volvo 2040 40 hp diesel. Testers also noted that the switch panel was neater and more accessible than earlier layouts.
Rig and Sail Handling
Berret and Racoupeau deliberately bucked the trend toward bigger mainsails. The 373’s fractional sloop rig carries a headsail larger than the mainsail, along with twin backstays and a genoa that sheets outboard of the rigging.
The lower battens are three-quarter length. Reefing blocks are sewn into both the mainsail luff and leech, while neat blocks on the aluminium toerail lead the headsail reefing line aft. Self-tailing Lewmar 44 primary winches sit well aft, and the wheel is large enough to give the helmsman a reasonable view of the headsail luff.
Under sail, however, the test findings were less flattering. Yachting World’s crew found the boat struggling upwind. She heeled readily and rounded up frequently, while the rig lacked tension both laterally and fore-and-aft. The forestay sagged enormously, the mast bent sideways, the leeward rigging waved in the breeze, and the genoa remained hopelessly full.
Several spokes of weather helm were needed to keep her on track. As heel increased, the helm load stayed light, giving little warning of a broach. Her behaviour suggested a certain lack of tolerance.
The 373 was happier off the wind. She went downwind readily, didn’t mind heaving to, and could gybe with the sheets pinned in, allowing her to keep sailing without the headsail crossing.
Under Power
Under power, the test boat was far more impressive. Its three-bladed propeller drove the 373 past 6 knots at 2,000 rpm and to 8 knots at wide-open throttle. Reverse brought her to a standstill in seconds. After an initial kick to port, she proved predictable and manoeuvrable in close quarters.
Cockpit and Accommodation
Beneteau offered two accommodation layouts: one with a single aft double and another with twin aft doubles. The twin-cabin version gains extra berths but gives up space in the heads, galley, and chart table, and it also shortens the port saloon settee. The saloon and forward arrangements are shaped around the beamy midsection, and headroom reaches 6ft 10in.
Three hatches ahead of the mast and a single cowl vent over the saloon provide light and ventilation.
Cockpit stowage is practical. Half-depth lockers sit to port and starboard, while a full-depth stern locker is accessed through lids on either side of the hinging central seat.
Known Issues
The pronounced forestay sag, wandering leeward rigging, and abrupt tendency to round up were characteristics of the rig tune on the test boat, not reported construction faults.
The accommodation trade-off is limited to what was reported: choosing the twin-cabin layout reduces space in the heads, galley, and chart table, while also shortening the port saloon settee.
Refits and Ownership
The accessible engine bay should make routine service easier, with the hinged companionway steps lifting to expose the Volvo 2040. The tidy switch panel also simplifies access for electrical work.
The reefing arrangement and headsail lead details are sailor-friendly from the factory, leaving canvas and electronics as the usual upgrade paths rather than structural correction.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 373 is a beamy, well-powered cruiser whose downwind manners and performance under power outshine the twitchy upwind behaviour recorded with the test boat’s soft rig tune. She suits a couple or family who value interior volume, straightforward systems access, and predictable docking more than racing pedigree.
Pros
- Generous beam and 6ft 10in headroom
- Choice of two accommodation layouts
- Strong, manoeuvrable handling under power
- Quick stopping in reverse
- Accessible engine and switch panel
- Happy downwind and tolerant of heaving to
Cons
- Upwind performance on the test boat was hampered by pronounced forestay sag
- Light helm feedback gave little warning of a broach
- The tendency to round up demands an attentive helm in gusts
- The twin-cabin layout reduces space in the galley, heads, and chart table and shortens the port saloon settee
