Design and Construction
At just under 36 feet overall, with a 31.6-foot waterline and 12.4-foot beam, the Oceanis 370 has the broad proportions of a cruising boat. Her length-to-beam ratio is 2.79, and her wetted surface measures about 419 square feet.
The solid-fiberglass hull displaces a substantial 12,800 pounds. It carries 4,078 pounds of iron ballast, giving a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 32 percent and anchoring the boat’s stability. With an immersion rate near 1,372 pounds per inch, the boat responds predictably to loading. The theoretical hull speed is 7.5 knots, consistent with her displacement and waterline.
Beneteau offered several keel alternatives for different cruising grounds. The iron deep keel draws about 5.1 to 5.4 feet, depending on load. An iron wing-keel option reduces draft to roughly 4.1 to 4.4 feet for access to shallow marinas.
The deck, like the hull, is solid fiberglass. An anchor can be dropped from the bow.
Rig and Handling
Philippe Briand gave the Oceanis 370 more than one rig option: both a masthead rig and an alternative masthead rig were available. The sail plan is notably large. Period comparison data shows that the boat carries more sail area than 88 percent of similar sailboats, indicating that she is significantly overrigged for her size.
The generous rig provides plenty of canvas for light-air efficiency and supports relaxed cruising. However, its overrigged character calls for attentive sail trim and timely reefing as the breeze builds. The sails can be rolled up for easier handling, complementing the boat’s reputation for demonstrating a certain talent for efficiency.
Accommodations and Cruising Systems
Beneteau’s marketing positioned the Oceanis 370 so that the only master on board is comfort at anchor and on the move. The interior follows that comfort-first approach, with the saloon and cabins arranged to make life aboard easy, whether the boat is tied to a mooring or coasting along.
A 48-gallon water capacity and 24-gallon fuel capacity support extended stays aboard. Auxiliary power comes from a standard Volvo Penta inboard diesel rated at around 25 horsepower.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 370 is a straightforward 1990s cruiser that trades athletic pretension for volume and ease. Her multiple keel and rig choices allow a buyer to match the boat to a particular cruising style, while the beamy, solidly built hull provides the comfort Beneteau promised.
The large sail plan is her defining quirk. It offers plenty of canvas for light-air efficiency, but it also makes timely sail management important when the wind increases.
Pros
- Multiple keel options, including a wing keel for shallow draft
- Large sail plan suited to light-air efficiency and relaxed cruising
- Solid-fiberglass hull and deck, with an iron ballast keel
- Comfort-focused interior consistent with Beneteau’s 1990s cruising brief
Cons
- Significantly overrigged relative to similar boats, requiring attentive sail management
- Deep-keel draft of up to about 5.4 feet limits access to some marinas compared with the wing-keel version
