Beneteau 393 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Beneteau 393 is a masthead sloop that prioritizes stability and ease of use over aggressive racing metrics. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the "medium cruiser" category, the hull is designed to provide a dry, predictable ride in a variety of conditions. According to editorial testing by Cruising World, the boat exhibits surprising stiffness under sail, thanks in part to its generous beam and a well-profiled bulb keel.

While the boat was offered with both a deep-draft (6'3") and a shallow-draft (5'1") keel, the deep-fin version is generally preferred for its superior tracking and reduced leeway when beating to windward. The 393 typically features an in-mast furling mainsail, which, while sacrificing some sail area and shape compared to a traditional slab-reefing setup, allows for effortless single-handed management. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 knots of true wind, where the hull's hard-chined influence (a precursor to modern designs) provides a stable platform that minimizes heel. However, like many high-volume cruisers of this era, the 393 can experience significant weather helm if over-canvassed, making early reefing essential for maintaining a balanced helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Beneteau 393 is where the design truly distinguished itself from its contemporaries. Beneteau offered the model in two primary configurations: a two-cabin owner’s version and a three-cabin layout primarily targeted at the charter market. In the two-cabin version, the master suite is located forward with a Pullman-style berth to starboard and a private head in the peak. This layout is highly prized by cruising couples for the massive cockpit locker it allows on the port side, which provides enough volume for a generator, outboard, and extensive cruising gear.

The three-cabin variant replaces the large storage locker with an additional aft cabin, making it a capable platform for larger families. In both versions, the saloon benefits from the "raised deck saloon" aesthetic, utilizing forward-facing ports to eliminate the "cave-like" feeling common in older designs. Materials typically consist of cherry-stained Douka wood and white overhead liners, which have aged remarkably well in terms of aesthetics, though the finish can be prone to "milking" or clouding if exposed to significant UV or moisture over decades.

The 393 also shares significant DNA with its "big brother," the Oceanis 423, and its smaller sibling, the 373. These models collectively defined the Beneteau "look" of the mid-2000s, characterized by the sculpted deck lines and the use of the "Clipper" equipment packages in European markets, which added higher-specification winches and ground tackle.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Beneteau 393 has maintained a steady presence in the blue-water cruising community and has been featured in long-term voyage logs. It gained technical recognition in Yachting Monthly, where it was praised as a "modern classic" for its ability to balance the demands of live-aboard comfort with a hull that can handle genuine offshore passages. It is a frequent subject of "used boat" features due to its longevity and the high number of units still actively cruising the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Beneteau 393 is a robust production yacht, prospective buyers should focus on several model-specific areas during a survey.

• Deck Window Leaks: The distinctive forward-facing windows and the large "skylights" are prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded. Re-bedding these windows is a labor-intensive process due to the curvature of the deck.
• Iron Keel Oxidation: The 393 uses a cast-iron keel. If the protective epoxy coating is breached, rust "weeping" can occur. Buyers should check the keel-to-hull joint for signs of movement or significant corrosion.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: Like many Beneteaus of this vintage, the composite rudder bearings can wear over time, leading to "play" or vibration in the steering system.
• Grid Bonding: Inspect the internal fiberglass grid (the structural frame) for any signs of delamination or "crazing," particularly around the mast step and the forward sections of the hull, which may indicate a history of hard groundings.
• Engine Maintenance: Most 393s were equipped with Yanmar or Westerbeke diesels. Check the exhaust elbow for carbon buildup and the heat exchanger for signs of salt crystallization.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 393 are supported by a robust network of brand-specific associations. The Beneteau Owners Association serves as a primary hub for technical manuals and historical brochures. Additionally, the Beneteau 393 Owners Group (often found on specialized social platforms) is an active repository of DIY knowledge, specifically regarding the maintenance of the unique deck hardware and plumbing configurations found on this model.

The Verdict

The Beneteau 393 remains a top-tier choice for sailors seeking a "big" 39-footer that feels significantly more spacious than its length suggests. While it may not satisfy the requirements of a hardcore racer, its blend of light-filled interiors and predictable handling makes it an exceptional coastal and island-hopping platform.

Pros

• Exceptional interior light and ventilation due to forward-facing windows.
• Massive storage capacity, particularly in the two-cabin owner’s version.
• Predictable and stiff sailing performance for a cruising hull.
• High resale value and a large global parts support network.

Cons

• The Pullman berth in the forward cabin can be difficult for one partner to exit without disturbing the other.
• Potential for leaks from the large deck windows if not properly maintained.
• Weather helm can become heavy if the boat is not reefed early.