Beneteau 473 vis Beneteau Oceanis 473 what is difference?

[Freshman]

As in subject. I have checked informations from sailboat data and looks that they are hull and rigging twins, Are they?
I wonder if they are seaworthy boats suitable for Pacific and India Ocean?

[Polux]

In Europe Beneteau has several series, the First, the Oceanis and the Sense series. They had in the past one that was discontinued, the Cyclades.

The Oceanis series is what the Americans call Beneteau. They don't use the name Oceanis, probably for some obscure commercial strategy.

[Besseges]

The Oceanis 473 is the pure cruising version, and the First 47.7 is the cruiser racer version.

[DDabs]

Euro versions of the 473 will usually have the galley on the port side of the boat, while the US models get a 2 or 3 stateroom layout with the galley on the starboard aft of the boat.

[cards26]

What's the difference between the Sense line and the Oceanis line?

[TheOffice]

Sense line has the salon on the main level like a catamaran



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[DDabs]

The Sense is a very open layout with practically no companionway steps- the cockpit just leads right into the salon/galley. The Oceanis is their cruising line, and the First's are more racing inspired.

[Stu Jackson]

Don't Beneteau have brochures on line? It would seem that the differences in interiors would be quite apparent. Rigging maybe not so much.

[DDabs]

Design flaw to be noted on the 473: the transom sits below the waterline on a loaded 473, causing it to get gunked up... Super annoying, but might not bother some.

[cards26]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Don't Beneteau have brochures on line? It would seem that the differences in interiors would be quite apparent. Rigging maybe not so much.

Actually, I missed the two extra steps in the companionway. Sorry to bother you with the question.

[Polux]

Originally Posted by cards26

What's the difference between the Sense line and the Oceanis line?

Very different boats with the same type of hulls. The Sense are better finished (more expensive), heavier, a bit slower and with a revolutionary layout that allows a much better inter action between the cockpit space and the interior.

They don't have back cabins, they have more storage and a bigger nicer saloon. If you look at the layouts of the Sense 46 and the Oceanis 45 you would clearly see the difference.

[Polux]

Originally Posted by DDabs

Design flaw to be noted on the 473: the transom sits below the waterline on a loaded 473, causing it to get gunked up... Super annoying, but might not bother some.

On the positive side it is a very good sailboat, meaning that sails very well.

[DDabs]

I prefer the 461 to the 473... It is a Farr design, no transom issues and just as much space as the 473, really. Unless you can find a 47.7 First, which are hard to come by in the States.

[cards26]

Thanks for the answers, it clears it up for me.

[Polux]

Originally Posted by DDabs

I prefer the 461 to the 473... It is a Farr design, no transom issues and just as much space as the 473, really. Unless you can find a 47.7 First, which are hard to come by in the States.

The 473 is designed by Jean Marie Finot that is nothing less than Farr in what regards design and it has a more modern hull and keel and almost for sure it's faster. The boats have about the same sail are displacement but the 473 has a smaller D/L ratio (128.7 to 153.2).

Never heard about any problem with the transom of the 473 and I have heard many owners saying it was a great boat. Don't know much about the 461 but I guess in the end it is a question of personal preference.

Regarding the First 44.7 I agree with you, it has nothing to do with these boats. It's a performance cruiser, much faster. I don't like much the interior, the one of the newer First 45 is way better. Both provide a good cruising interior.