Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its displacement of over 57,000 lbs, the Oceanis Yacht 62 is remarkably agile for its size, thanks largely to its twin-rudder configuration and chined hull. The hull chines, which carry the beam well aft, allow the boat to lock in when heeled, providing a stable platform that resists rounding up in heavy gusts. In an editorial test by Sail Magazine, the vessel was noted for its ability to maintain speed even in light air, reaching nearly 9 knots in 13 knots of true wind on a beam reach.

The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio suggests a boat that is powerful but manageable, especially when equipped with the optional performance rig. The twin rudders provide exceptional grip, which is essential given the boat’s nearly 18-foot beam; even at high angles of heel, the leeward rudder remains deep and effective. Handling under power is aided significantly by the inclusion of bow and stern thrusters, which are almost mandatory for a vessel with this much windage. The "Dock & Go" joystick system, often found on these models, integrates the 160-hp Yanmar engine with the rudders and thrusters to make tight marina maneuvers stress-free for a short-handed crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Oceanis Yacht 62 is where the collaboration with Andreani Design is most visible, moving away from traditional nautical aesthetics toward a "superyacht loft" feel. The layout typically features three or four cabins, but the most common configuration is the three-cabin/three-head version. This layout offers a massive owner’s suite forward, which includes a centerline berth and a private desk or vanity. High-authority reviews from Cruising World highlight the "innovative galley" layout, which is positioned midships and spans the beam, creating a natural separation between the dining area and the forward accommodations.

Materials include brushed oak or high-gloss mahogany cabinetry combined with leather-wrapped grab rails and extensive LED lighting. A notable variation is the crew cabin option in the bow, which replaces the large sail locker. While the 62 is the primary hull, its DNA was used to inform the subsequent Oceanis Yacht 54 and the more recent Oceanis Yacht 60, though the 62 remains unique for its specific transom design—a hydraulically operated "terrace" that opens to reveal a tender garage capable of housing a 2.85m Williams Jet RIB.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Oceanis Yacht 62 gained significant industry acclaim upon its release, winning the European Yacht of the Year 2017 in the "Luxury Cruiser" category. It has been a staple in high-end charter fleets in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, often cited as the benchmark for luxury production monohulls. Its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival was a pivotal moment for Beneteau, signaling their intent to compete with high-end brands like Oyster or Solaris by offering similar volume and aesthetic appeal at a more competitive production price point.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Oceanis Yacht 62 should focus on the following high-signal technical areas:

1. Hydraulic System Maintenance: The transom door/swim platform and the tender garage ramp rely on complex hydraulic actuators. Owners on various technical forums have noted that these seals require regular inspection, as any failure can prevent access to the tender or compromise the watertight integrity of the garage door.
2. B&G Network Complexity: As a flagship, the 62 is heavily integrated with B&G Zeus electronics and digital switching (C-Zone). Prospective buyers should ensure the software is updated and that all digital switches—controlling everything from lights to pumps—are responsive, as troubleshooting "ghost" signals in a digital backbone can be labor-intensive.
3. Mainsail Furling Tension: Many 62s are equipped with in-mast furling. Given the height of the mast and the size of the mainsail, the furling mechanism must be perfectly timed. Check for wear on the furling motor and ensure the sail has not developed "pouching" near the tack, which can lead to jams.
4. Teak Deck Bonding: While Beneteau uses high-quality vacuum-bonded teak, the expansive deck area means more potential for thermal expansion stress. Inspect the caulking lines for any signs of lifting, particularly around the large flush hatches.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Oceanis Yacht 62 are primarily supported by the Beneteau Yacht Club, the manufacturer's official owner portal which provides access to digitized manuals and spare parts catalogs. For technical discussions, the Beneteau Owners Association (UK and North America chapters) provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding long-term maintenance of the Yanmar 160-hp engines and the specific rig tensions required for the 62’s fractional sloop sail plan.

The Verdict

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is a sophisticated, high-volume cruiser that excels as a Mediterranean-style "party boat" while retaining enough blue-water DNA for serious offshore passages.

Pros:

• Massive Exterior Living: The cockpit and rear terrace offer more usable outdoor space than almost any other monohull in its class.
• Tender Garage: The ability to store a jet-drive RIB completely out of sight is a rare luxury on a 60-foot monohull.
• Stability: The wide, chined hull and twin rudders make for a very forgiving and stable ride under sail.

Cons:

• System Complexity: The reliance on hydraulics and digital switching requires a higher level of technical oversight than simpler cruisers.
• Dockage Challenges: With a nearly 18-foot beam and high freeboard, this boat can be difficult to manage in tight marinas during high winds without functioning thrusters.
• Engine Access: While the engine room is insulated, the midships galley layout can make certain side-access maintenance tasks on the Yanmar unit more cramped than on center-cockpit designs.