Beneteau 62 Information, Review, Specs

While the 62 stands as a unique flagship, it shares its DNA with the later Oceanis Yacht 54 and the updated Oceanis Yacht 60. These siblings adopted many of the 62’s layout innovations, such as the low-profile coachroof and the focus on an unobstructed cockpit flow. The 62 was primarily offered in three- or four-cabin configurations, with the three-cabin "owner" version being the most common, featuring a massive forward master suite and a dedicated crew cabin in the bow.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Oceanis Yacht 62 behaves with the poise expected of a 57,000-pound (displacement) vessel. The hull features a pronounced hard chine that serves a dual purpose: it increases interior volume above the waterline and provides a "locked-in" feeling when the boat heels to roughly 15 degrees. According to technical assessments by Yachting Monthly, the twin rudder configuration is essential for a boat of this beam (17' 6"), ensuring that the helmsman retains precise control even when the boat is pressed in heavy air.

The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a yacht optimized for reaching and passage-making rather than light-air ghosting. Most hulls are equipped with an in-mast furling mainsail and a self-tacking jib for ease of short-handed sailing. However, the addition of a Code 0 or an asymmetrical spinnaker on the integrated bowsprit is necessary to wake the boat up in winds under 10 knots. The steering is balanced and surprisingly communicative for a yacht of this scale, though the sheer windage of the high topsides requires careful management when maneuvering in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Oceanis Yacht 62 is where the collaboration with Nauta Design is most evident, characterized by a "stepped" salon floor that differentiates the dining area from the lounging spaces. The use of Alpi wood finishes—available in brushed oak or mahogany—alongside leather-wrapped handrails creates an atmosphere of understated luxury. One of the most praised layouts is the three-cabin version, which places the galley midships. This "L-shaped" galley is tucked away from the main thoroughfare, providing a secure place to cook while underway.

Headroom is exceptional throughout the vessel, often exceeding 6' 6" in the salon. A standout feature is the master cabin, which utilizes the full beam of the forward section and includes a desk/vanity area and a private head with a separate shower stall. Variation exists in the aft cabins as well; some owners opted for a layout that splits the aft port section into two smaller bunks, though the standard arrangement features two expansive VIP double cabins. The integration of high-end appliances, including pop-up televisions and wine coolers, reinforces the model’s positioning as a luxury cruiser.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Oceanis Yacht 62 gained considerable attention upon its release for its "superyacht" features at a production price point. It was prominently featured in "Best of" lists by major marine publications and served as the centerpiece for Beneteau's global marketing campaigns between 2016 and 2019. Its aesthetic, particularly the dark hull "Black Edition" variants, made it a popular subject for high-end nautical photography and drone-based sailing cinematography on professional sailing channels.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Oceanis Yacht 62 should focus their inspection on the yacht’s sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems.

• Hydraulic Swim Platform & Garage Door: The 62 features a massive aft platform that doubles as a dinghy garage door. The hydraulic rams and the watertight seals of this garage are high-wear items that must be checked for leaks or misalignment.
• Electrical Bus System: This model utilizes a complex digital switching system (often B&G or Scheiber). Ensure that all zones are communicative; "ghosting" in the digital bus can lead to frustrating intermittent failures in lighting or pump controls.
• Generator Loading: Given the high electrical demand (AC, watermakers, electric winches), the 8kW or 12kW generators often have high hours. Buyers should verify the service history of the genset, as the boat's "liveability" is heavily dependent on it.
• Mast Compression & Rigging: On early models, there were reports from owner circles regarding the tensioning of the discontinuous rigging. A professional survey should focus on the mast step and the chainplate attachments to ensure no structural stress cracking has occurred.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 62 often participate in the Beneteau Yacht Club, an official manufacturer-led community that provides technical manuals and organized rallies. Additionally, the Beneteau Owners Association (USA and UK chapters) provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding maintenance specific to the large-scale Oceanis models.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Enormous Living Space: The cockpit and salon volumes are best-in-class for a 60-foot production monohull.
• Ease of Handling: Twin rudders and electric winches make it possible for a couple to manage the boat without professional crew.
• Innovative Dinghy Garage: The ability to stow a fully inflated 3-meter RIB out of sight is a major advantage for aesthetics and security.

Cons:

• Complexity: The reliance on hydraulic and digital systems requires a higher level of technical knowledge or professional maintenance.
• Windage: High topsides and a large profile make the boat prone to "sailing" at anchor and catching crosswinds in the marina.
• Light Air Performance: Without specialized reaching sails, the 62 can feel sluggish in breezes under 8 knots due to its heavy displacement.