Beneteau 57 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Beneteau 57 defies the stereotype of the sluggish center-cockpit cruiser. Because it was designed by Farr Yacht Design—responsible for many of the world's fastest racing hulls—the boat features a hull form that is surprisingly slippery and responsive. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio hovering around 20, the vessel possesses enough power to move effectively in light airs, a rarity for a boat weighing over 22 tons. Editorial testing by Yachting World noted that the hull's fine entry and powerful sections allow it to track exceptionally well, maintaining a steady helm even when pressed.

Under sail, the boat feels stiff and secure, thanks to a deep bulb keel that keeps the center of gravity low. The large spade rudder provides significant leverage, making the yacht maneuverable in tight quarters, though most owners rely on the standard bow thruster for docking. While its displacement provides a soft motion in a seaway—a characteristic often referred to as "sea-kindliness"—the Farr influence ensures that it can still achieve double-digit speeds on a reach. The deck layout is optimized for short-handed sailing, with primary winches positioned within reach of the helm, allowing a couple to manage the massive sail area without a large crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Pininfarina influence is immediately apparent, moving away from the utilitarian look of smaller models toward a more luxurious, "superyacht" aesthetic. The centerpiece of the interior is the sprawling salon, characterized by curved cabinetry and high-grade cherry or mahogany finishes. Because the cockpit is moved amidships, the Beneteau 57 offers a palatial master suite aft, featuring a centerline queen berth, a private vanity, and an expansive en-suite head with a separate shower stall.

Beneteau offered several configurations to cater to different owner needs. The most common "Owner’s Version" features three large double cabins, each with a dedicated head, while a four-cabin variant was produced for larger families or high-end charter service. Additionally, a small "skipper’s cabin" was often located in the bow, accessible through a deck hatch, providing a separate space for professional crew or extra storage. The galley is a linear "walk-through" design located to port, providing a secure place to cook while underway and leading to the aft stateroom. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'6" in the main salon, contributing to the sense of an open, airy living space.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a flagship vessel from the early 2000s, the Beneteau 57 has specific areas that require a surveyor's attention.

• Teak Deck Longevity: Many 57s were delivered with extensive teak decks. On boats of this age, the teak may be reaching the end of its life cycle. Look for thinning planks, popping screw heads, or failing caulk lines, as replacement on a 57-foot deck is a significant capital expense.
• Standing Rigging: Given its blue-water intentions, many of these boats have crossed oceans. The heavy loads on the forestay and shrouds mean the standing rigging should be meticulously inspected or replaced if it is more than 10 years old.
• Spade Rudder Bearings: The large, deep spade rudder is efficient but places high stress on the bearings. Check for "play" or vibration in the helm, which may indicate worn bearings or a bent rudder stock.
• Electrical Complexity: As the flagship, the 57 is loaded with systems including generators, watermakers, and multiple air conditioning units. Ensure the DC wiring—particularly the high-draw circuits for the electric winches—has not been compromised by corrosion or amateur modifications.
• Balsa Core Integrity: While the hull below the waterline is solid GRP, the topsides and decks are balsa-cored. Use a moisture meter around stanchion bases and deck fittings to check for water intrusion that could lead to core rot.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Beneteau 57 benefit from the massive global infrastructure of the Beneteau brand. The Beneteau Owners Association is a prominent resource, offering technical forums and regional rallies. Because the boat was designed by Farr, technical drawings and performance polar diagrams are often still accessible through the Farr Yacht Design archives.

The Verdict

The Beneteau 57 remains one of the most capable and prestigious yachts the French builder has ever produced. It successfully bridges the gap between a performance-oriented cruiser and a luxurious liveaboard, offering a level of interior volume and sailing speed that is hard to match in the sub-60-foot category.

Pros:

• Exceptional Design Pedigree: The combination of Farr and Pininfarina creates a boat that is both beautiful and fast.
• Blue-Water Capability: A heavy-duty build and center-cockpit safety make it a legitimate world cruiser.
• Master Stateroom: One of the best aft cabins in its class, offering total privacy and immense space.

Cons:

• Maintenance Costs: As a complex 57-foot yacht, the cost of upkeep for sails, rigging, and systems is substantially higher than smaller cruisers.
• Size Constraints: Its 57-foot length and deep draft can limit access to some smaller marinas and shallow cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Aged Systems: Original electronics and appliances from the early 2000s will likely require a modern overhaul.