Design and Construction
The Oceanis 370’s hull is solid fiberglass, and Beneteau offered the model with different keel alternatives to suit varying cruising grounds. The deep keel draws about 5.1 to 5.4 feet depending on load and is made of iron, while a wing keel option reduces draft to roughly 4.1 to 4.4 feet for shallow-marina access, also cast in iron. A length-to-beam ratio of 2.79 reflects a beamy hull form at 12.4 feet wide, and the wetted surface measures about 419 square feet. With an immersion rate near 1,372 pounds per inch, she responds predictably to loading. The boat’s stability is anchored by a 32-percent ballast ratio, and the theoretical hull speed sits at 7.5 knots, a figure consistent with her displacement and waterline.
Rig and Handling
Philippe Briand gave the Oceanis 370 more than one rig option: a masthead rig and an alternative masthead rig were both available, and the sail plan is notably large. Period comparison data shows she carries more sail area than 88 percent of similar sailboats, which indicates she is significantly overrigged for her size. Sails can be rolled up for easy handling, a feature that complements her reputation as a boat that demonstrates a certain talent for efficiency. The generous rig supports relaxed cruising, though the overrigged character means attentive sail trim matters when the breeze builds.
Accommodations
Beneteau’s marketing positioned the Oceanis 370 so that the only master on board is comfort at anchor and on the move. The interior was laid out around the idea of a relaxing break, with the saloon and cabins arranged to make life aboard easy whether tied to a mooring or coasting along. The 48-gallon water capacity and 24-gallon fuel capacity support extended stays, and the standard Volvo Penta inboard diesel, rated around 25 horsepower, provides auxiliary propulsion. An anchor can be dropped from the bow, and the deck is solid fiberglass like the hull below.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 370 is a straightforward 1990s cruiser that trades athletic pretension for volume and ease. Her multiple keel and rig choices let a buyer match the boat to a cruising style, and the beamy, solidly built hull delivers the comfort Beneteau promised. The overrigged sail plan is her defining quirk—plenty of canvas for light-air efficiency, but a clear signal to reef in time.
Pros
- Multiple keel options, including a wing keel for shallow draft anchor
- Large, overrigged sail plan suited to relaxed cruising anchor
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck with iron ballast keel
- Comfort-focused interior consistent with Beneteau’s 1990s cruising brief
Cons
- Significantly overrigged relative to peers, demanding sail management
- Deep keel draft near 5.4 feet limits some marinas versus wing-keel version
