Designed by Groupe Finot, the all-new Beneteau 323 is a sophisticated, comfortable cruiser incorporating a voluminous interior filled with an abundance of light and ventilation. A wonderful, spacious cockpit offers a patented innovative pivoting steering wheel allowing easy access from the helm to companionway. The 323 has a long list of standard options that give this 32-footer incredible value that the competition will find difficult to surpass.
There were some minor changes to the Beneteau 323 during its production run from 2003-2008. Yanmar changed their 2GM 18hp engine to the 3YM 22hp engine in 2005 and with the new engine Beneteau changed the standard prop from the 2 blade fixed to the 3 blade fixed. There are some early 2005 models with the 2GM engine. In 2006 Beneteau went to a slightly lighter stained interior wood and added the bulkhead mounted lights. The wood sidings above the settees were replaced with white vinyl to also help lighten the interior. The cushions were upgraded to inner spring mattresses in the fwd and aft cabins.
LOA……………………………………………….32’10”
Hull Length………………………………………31’1”
LWL………………………………………………..29’2”
Beam………………………………………………..10’9”
Displacement……………………9,235 lbs (approx)
Standard Sail Area……………………….542 sq. ft
Draft…………(standard) 4’9”…(optional) 5’11”
Optional lifting keel also available31” to 7’
Ballast…………………………(standard) 2,414 lbs
Optional Deep Ballast…………………..2,258 lbs
Fuel Capacity………………………………….17 gal
Water……………………………………………42 gal
Auxiliary……………………………………….22 hp
Construction: Marion, South Carolina, USA
Hull Design: Groupe Finot
Rig Dimensions: Mast…Classic Furler
I……………………..42’8”…….42’8”
J………………………11’1”…….11’1”
P…………………..38’11”…….38’9”
E…………………….13’2”…….13’2”
Boat US Beneteau 323 Review by Jack Hornor
Beneteau has long been one of the industry’s most prolific boatbuilders and at times has offered models very close in size and similar in style. Beginning with the 2004 model year the company introduced the Beneteau 323 and discontinued the Beneteau 311 and Beneteau 331 models. The Beneteau 323 is priced and equipped to appeal to buyers looking for a mid-sized boat with a big boat feel.
As are many of Beneteau’s models, the 323 was designed by the French design firm Group Finot. At 32’ 10” LOA, the 323 is closer to 33 feet than the 32-foot length suggested by her model name, a departure from the manufacturer’s more typical practice of a model name that suggests a larger-than-actual size.
Viewed from abeam, the “generous freeboard” — a term coined by boatbuilders to convince us it’s a good thing — is apparent. Not apparent in the drawing is the equally generous beam of this design. The length-to-beam ratio is more than three and the beam is carried very far aft so that beam at the transom is nearly 85% of the maximum beam. For comparison, the transom beam of a contemporary racer/cruiser would be in the range of 70% of the maximum beam and a classic design would be closer to 50%. This is clearly the trend in most production boats and creates the interior volume necessary for large aft staterooms with the secondary benefit of roomier cockpits. To the designer’s credit, they have made good use of radiuses, accent lines, and windows to disguise the exaggerated features, and under sail this is a better looking boat than on paper. READ REVIEW
http://www.boatus.com/jackhornor/sail/Beneteau323.asp
Beneteau 323 Sail Tuning Guide from Neil Pryde
http://www.neilprydesails.com/pdfs/323%20Tuning%20Guide.pdf
Beneteau 323 Owner’s Website
http://www.beneteau323owners.net/
Popular Sailing Review of the Beneteau 323 by Steve
The Beneteau Oceanis 323: weekend sailboat or extended-range coastal cruiser?
26 September, 2009 (20:20) | Sailboat Reviews, Sailing Stories | By: Steve
Note: We have sold our Beneteau 323. In this article and another, Beneteau Oceanis 323 Sailboat Review with Photos (which is based on our online ad), we share much of our experience with that lovely boat.
Canada’s east coast is not exactly the ideal sailing ground for beginners intent on going distances along the rocky coastline. The North Atlantic swell, frequent fog, numerous micro-climates and powerful winds all the way from the state of Maine to Newfoundland present many challenges to inexperienced skippers of large or small sailing cruisers alike. READ REVIEW
http://www.popularsailing.com/37/beneteau-oceanis-323-cruising-range-tips-handling-coastal-cruiser/
Popular Sailing Review of the Beneteau 323 by Heather
Beneteau Oceanis 323 Sailboat Review with Photos
8 June, 2010 (22:49) | Sailboat Reviews | By: Heather
About the Beneteau 323
The Beneteau 323 is a fast, responsive and comfortable coastal cruiser. With an LOA of 32’10″ (10m) and LWL of 29’2″, she has “long legs” that can take you where you want to go. She can easily be sailed single-handed.
The interior is designed with space, comfort and features that you would only expect on a larger boat. READ REVIEW
http://www.popularsailing.com/488/beneteau-oceanis-323-sailboat-review-photos/
Beneteau Oceanis 323
Extra photographs from Yachting Monthly’s test of the Beneteau Oceanis 323
http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/pictures/boat-tests/24451/1/0/beneteau-oceanis-323
Available upon request
- Brochure (both US & European)
- Equipment List
- Polars
- Stability Curves
- Engine speed, rpm & noise
- Owner’s Manual
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Murray Yacht Sales is your Gulf Coast Beneteau & J/Boats Dealer and has been serving the Gulf Coast Boating Community since 1974