Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid solid fiberglass finished with an isophthalic gel coat intended to impede osmosis, and a molded fiberglass grid is bonded inside to lend structural integrity. Above the waterline the deck is a balsa-cored sandwich, and it is married to the hull with mechanical fastenings spaced every six inches plus 3M 5200 sealant. A stainless rub rail guards the topsides, while the standard keel is a cast-iron winged bulb bolted to the hull. Beneteau backed the structure with a five-year warranty covering both structural and osmotic concerns. The companionway steps are curved upward on each side so footing holds when the boat heels, a detail that reflects the same engineering intent seen in the hull form itself.
Rig and Deck Layout
An aluminum mast is stepped directly on the keel top, carrying 687 square feet of sail area in a masthead sloop rig with a mast height of 52 feet 8 inches above the water. On deck the side decks are narrow for a boat of this size, which shapes traffic flow forward. The foredeck carries a large opening anchor locker and a stainless dual anchor roller, while a dual-tank propane locker is recessed into the side deck with its fume drain led overboard. Sturdy attachment points on the coach roof are built to secure a life raft. The sugar-scoop stern opens a swim and dinghy boarding space, and the wheel is pedestal mounted, with an option to place it aft of the cabin behind a spray shield. Hydraulic steering gives reasonable service access.
Accommodations
Below, the saloon reads light and cheerful, with a U-shaped settee and expandable table to starboard and a nav station with hanging locker to port. Hanging lockers are lined to the waterline to resist mildew and condensation. The galley sits aft in the passageway to port of the engine, with a three-burner stove and oven placed forward so cooking heat and odors vent up the companionway. The forward stateroom has a starboard double berth and its own head with shower. Aft, the stateroom holds a very low, wide berth running along the hull bottom and reached easily from both sides, served by a head forward of it on the starboard side of the engine space, the head itself containing a shower in the toilet compartment. Cabin headroom is 6 feet 3 inches.
Engine and Systems Access
The 60-horsepower Yanmar diesel sits in an engine space with terrific access, aided by a hatch built into a galley cabinet for side entry and a companionway stair that swings open on hydraulic lifts to expose the forward end. The builder indicates that the space aft of the engine is intended to house a generator. The electric panel is hinged for good access, and halogen lamps give bright light at low current draw.
Known Issues
In one inspected boat, the emergency steering access was well conceived, but the fitting provided was only a pipe section that fitted loosely and wobbled. The deck opening through which the anchor chain runs was rectangular with 90-degree corners on the test boat, a shape that can concentrate wear at the corners.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 400 CC is a thoughtfully laid-out center-cockpit cruiser whose Finot hull and balsa-cored deck deliver a sound, accessible platform for coastal and offshore passage-making, with standout engine access and a ventilated galley plan. The narrow side decks and low cockpit backrests ask the crew to move deliberately, and the emergency steering fitting on at least one boat deserved better execution.
Pros
- Hand-laid solid hull with osmotic-resistant gel coat and bonded grid
- Excellent engine access via cabinet hatch and hydraulic-lift stairs
- Galley placed to vent heat and odor up the companionway
- Forward and aft heads with showers; wide aft berth from both sides
Cons
- Narrow side decks for the length
- Cockpit backrests low for some helmsmen
- Emergency steering hardware on inspected boat loosely fitted
- Rectangular chain deck opening with sharp corners
