Design and Construction
The 473's proportions are moderate rather than extreme. Overall beam is not as wide as the smaller French models, and the length-to-beam ratio sits at a measured 3.31, while displacement-to-length comes in at 144. The bow is quite full in plan view, an intentional move to push the forward accommodations as far into the bow as possible anchor. A standard draft of 5 feet 6 inches is offered, with an option for 6 feet 11 inches of draft carrying 882 pounds less ballast. Beneteau launched the model in 2000 and by the end of 2002 will have built and launched 400 Oceanis 473s in the two years since her launch.
Rig and Handling
As a masthead sloop the 473 carries two sets of aft-swept spreaders on a wide chainplate base that ensures good support for the mast, with primary winches positioned just forward of the twin wheels where the helmsman can easily reach them. There are no fancy under-deck leads for control lines. One handling caveat from Yachting World's sea trial was the mainsheet positioned out of reach of the helmsman. Under power the boat proved one of the easiest mid-40-footers the reviewer had handled, aided by a large three-bladed fixed prop and traditional shaft drive, with an optional bow thruster fitted on the test boat. Under sail the picture is mixed: in 8–10 knots she clocked over 7.6 knots on a tight reach and slipped hard on the wind at around 5.5 knots, while in 10–15 knots she accelerated quicker and regularly bowled along at 10 knots plus in stronger puffs. A period American reviewer felt the rig would be ideal for breezy areas and easy to handle, though he suspected it would gasp for breath in light summer air. Yachting World found the twin wheel arrangement adds friction to the steering system, leaving a heavy helm that at times lacks the feel you might expect on a boat of this size anchor.
Accommodations
The 473 is offered in two layouts, with the three-cabin version showing mirror-image double quarter berths that look huge — large enough that two kids could easily share each berth, making it close to ideal for family cruising with two children, and workable for a three-couple charter. The compromise in that layout is that the starboard quarter cabin intrudes into the galley area, forcing the range up against the bulkhead and leaving virtually no lazarette and limited counter space. Both galleys show minimal reefer space. The forward stateroom is quite spacious with its own access to the forward head, which includes a shower stall; there are two heads in total. A center island seat in the saloon drew mild reviewer disapproval at this size yet does allow six to squeeze in for cozy dining. The nav station looks generous. Ventilation is generous too, with 10 opening hatches including the companionway and eight opening hull ports. On deck the immense cockpit is matched by twin wheels with room to walk between them, a removable drop-leaf table forward in the cockpit, and a recessed windlass well in the foredeck.
Known Issues
Beyond the steering friction and out-of-reach mainsheet already noted, the three-cabin layout's galley compromise is the other documented shortfall: restricted counter space, no real lazarette, and a stove hard against a bulkhead. The reefer space in either galley layout looked minimal to reviewers. These are planning trade-offs rather than defects, but a buyer should know the galley pays for the aft-cabin volume.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 473 is a thoughtfully packaged mid-40-foot cruiser that trades a little galley practicality for genuinely huge aft cabins and an exceptionally sociable cockpit. Her Finot hull is beamy without being extreme, sails competently in a breeze, and is notably easy to handle under power. The heavy, slightly numb twin-wheel steering is the price paid for that walk-through transom and vast aft deck.
Pros
- Hugely spacious double quarter berths; strong family or charter layout
- Immense, secure cockpit with twin wheels and walk-through to transom
- Easy handling under power with traditional shaft drive and optional bow thruster
- Strong ventilation via 10 opening hatches and eight hull ports
Cons
- Three-cabin layout compromises galley space and eliminates lazarette
- Twin-wheel steering adds friction; heavy helm lacks feel
- Mainsheet out of helmsman's reach
- Minimal reefer space in both galley configurations
