Beneteau 423 for Mexico Cruising

[augustdream]

Has anyone had experience with using the Beneteau (vintage 2002 - 2006) 423 sailboat as a liveaboard cruiser in Mexico? I'm interested in purchasing one and would be interested in suitability for Mexican coastal cruising.

[zeehag]

i have seen many bendy toys here doing quite nicely, i may add.....yes, markj, i did say bendy toy....lovingly....err, respectfully..

[TacomaSailor]

Cruised with a friend who single handed a (about 2000 or so) Beneteau 40 CC. We met him up north in the Sea of Cortez. We sailed with him as far as Zihuatenejo. Last I heard he was still cruising, many years later, in the Caribbean.

He loved his boat and had very few problems.

[DDabs]

The 423 has one of my favorite interior layouts of the newer Beneteaus, like a smaller version of the 473. Nice galley tucked off on the starboard aft side, dedicated nav station rather than implemented in the settee, 2 heads.

I could very easily live aboard the 423.

[robert sailor]

I think it would be a terrific choice for your intended use. I really like the 2 cabin layout, pretty hard to improve on it for the size. The boat also has nice lines, I find the newer ones all look very similar.

[sww914]

You're talking about coastal cruising in a coastal cruiser.

[mlibkind]

Does anyone have more performance/handling experience with the Beneteau 423? I'm considering a 2006 423.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by mlibkind

Does anyone have more performance/handling experience with the Beneteau 423? I'm considering a 2006 423.

An excellent choice. Of all the "3" series boats this one is the best looking and sails well too. I nearly bought one but my wife did not like the galley layout. There is a 423 Yahoo group and you'll get all sorts of info there.

[Dockhead]

I chartered one of these in the Aegean once, and it was the best charter boat we ever had. It sailed really extremely well and was well designed. The only really obvious sign of its being a cheap production boat was the horrible plastic laminate cabin sole the French are fond of, but you learn not to notice that.

Like the wife of the poster above I didn't like the galley layout, but it's pretty typical of boats of this size and class -- straight line on the port side of the salon opposite the salon table. But for that, you get quite a good nav table.

All in all, terrific value for the money. I would recommend it based on my experience.

[hlev00]

We have owned a 2005 for 3 years. We mostly love it. PM me for more. Also there is an awesome 423 group on Yahoo for lots more info.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i have seen many bendy toys here doing quite nicely, i may add.....yes, markj, i did say bendy toy....lovingly....err, respectfully..

Yes, but its like me calling a female "girly" and then saying I am not being sexist.


The 423 is a great boat and I wanted one but couldnt afford it. It would safely take you around the world.


Mark