Design and Construction
The hull is solid polyester laminate. A bonded internal sub-frame and hull liner stiffens and supports the floor and internal structure. The balsa-cored deck is both bonded and mechanically fastened to the hull, and a teak toerail caps the joint along the length of the deck.
The cast-iron keel has a molded bulb and was offered in shoal- and deep-draft versions. Steering comes from a large, high-aspect single rudder.
An attractive reverse transom defines the aft end of the boat. The aft deck encloses a tender garage with an electrically operated fold-down transom and swim platform. Two hatches in the aft deck provide access to the tender and handy stowage for fenders and docklines.
Rig and Sail Handling
A three-spreader Seldén aluminum mast is supported by discontinuous rod shrouds and stays. The test boat carried a 9/10ths fractional rig, with Incidences laminate sails, in-mast furling for the mainsail, and a Facnor drum furler on the bow.
The trademark Beneteau cockpit arch anchors the mainsheet and supports the aft end of the dodger. It also provides handholds for crew moving forward. The genoa tracks and chainplates are inboard, close alongside the cabintrunk. At the bow, a stainless steel “dolphin nose” bowsprit incorporates a tack eye for a Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker.
Sail handling is centralized in the cockpit. The primary electric Harken 70ST winches have controls immediately outboard of the helm seats. Lines run through the cockpit coaming to clutches and then to Harken 46ST secondary winches, with the mainsheet led to the starboard secondary.
Despite the test boat’s shallow keel and in-mast mainsail, the Oceanis 60 made a sprightly 6 knots in 12 to 14 knots of apparent wind at around 35 degrees off the bow. Eased to 50 to 60 degrees apparent, her boatspeed quickly rose to 8.6 knots. The large, high-aspect rudder steered her confidently through the eye of the wind on each tack.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The extended, single-level cockpit feels grand in scale. L-shaped helm seats sit aft, with a step forward of each wheel leading to the side decks. Sizable rope bins beneath those steps hold halyards and reefing lines.
Twin stainless steel wheels connect to the rudder through a Goiot system. Instrument pods above the wheels house a standard B&G Zeus 7in chartplotter, along with wind, speed, and depth instruments. The starboard pod and helm console carry the engine and bow-thruster controls.
At the companionway, a neat electrically operated aluminum shutter replaces conventional washboards. A combined anchor roller and bowsprit keeps the hook clear of the stem. A teak cockpit sole is standard; teak decking on the side decks and cabintrunk is optional.
Accommodations
The test boat had the optional high-gloss Alpi interior. Large companionway steps and leather-bound handrails ease the transition into the saloon.
To port, the J-shaped galley provides twin stainless steel sinks and ample counter space. A gas stove is standard. An all-electric galley is optional, with a Force 10 electric stove, Sharp microwave, and Electrolux dishwasher.
A large quarter cabin aft of the galley has an ensuite head and shower. The starboard quarter cabin has a “scissor” berth that converts between a double and two singles, as well as a combined desk and dressing table.
A 4ft 6in chart table sits to starboard of the companionway. Farther forward, the dinette combines a question-mark-shaped bench with an island seat to increase the number of place settings. The table rotates using a chained pull. Opposite, a deceptively squishy settee is paired with an electrically retractable liquor cabinet.
The forward master stateroom has a 5ft 9in island berth with padded head panels. The head and shower are to starboard, while a desk-dressing table is to port. Stowage includes a good wardrobe and shoe cabinet.
All three head compartments have separate shower stalls. An optional crew cabin in the forepeak is reached through a foredeck hatch.
Power and Performance Under Engine
The test boat’s 140hp Volkswagen diesel drove a three-bladed feathering Max Prop through a shaft. It pushed the Oceanis 60 at 6.4 knots at 1,500 rpm and 7.8 knots at 2,000 rpm in flat harbor confines.
A 150hp Volvo Penta D3 also appears in the modeled engine data, reflecting the range’s diesel installation. Either way, the direct-drive arrangement and substantial horsepower suit a yacht of this displacement for docking and motoring in calm conditions.
Verdict
The Oceanis 60 is a thoroughly modern flagship cruiser, developed from the Oceanis 58. Its solid-laminate hull and balsa-cored deck surround a remarkably open three-cabin interior, with separate showers, an optional all-electric galley, and clever companionway and tender-garage engineering.
The inboard rig and centralized electric winches make the boat manageable, while the recorded light-air sailing and engine performance support its flagship status.
Pros
- Solid polyester hull with a bonded internal sub-frame for stiffness
- Tender garage with an electric fold-down transom and swim platform
- Inboard chainplates and a cockpit-arch mainsheet for manageable shorthanded sailing
- Three cabins, each with an ensuite head and separate shower
- Flexible scissor berth in the starboard quarter cabin
- Strong light-air and moderate-angle speed under the fractional rig
Cons
- Deep- or shoal-draft cast-iron bulb keel limits shallow gunkholing compared with centerboard rivals
- All-electric galley and high-gloss interior are optional rather than standard
- The cockpit arch and reliance on the dodger shape the ergonomics of moving forward
