Murray Yacht Sales Technical Team
Vessel Model Overview: Beneteau Oceanis 473
Model Specifications & Production Data
| Parameter | Specification & Options |
| Model | Beneteau Oceanis 473 (also marketed as Oceanis Clipper 473) |
| Design Team | Groupe Finot (Jean-Marie Finot / Finot-Conq) |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Production Years | 2000 – 2005 (replaced by the Oceanis 46 / 49 series) |
| Production Volume | ~400+ units completed in the first two years; ~600+ total over production cycle |
| Production Facilities | Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée, France) & Marion, South Carolina (USA, started 2001) |
| Hull Construction | Solid monolithic hand-laid GRP hull with internal fiberglass grid liner; balsa-cored deck |
| LOA / LWL | 46′ 11″ (14.30 m) / 43′ 10″ (13.36 m) |
| Beam | 14′ 2″ (4.32 m) |
| Displacement | 24,277 lbs (11,012 kg) |
| Keel Options & Draft | • Standard / Shoal Draft: 5′ 7″ (1.70 m) with 8,157 lbs (3,700 kg) cast iron bulb keel • Deep Draft: 6′ 11″ (2.11 m) with 7,275 lbs (3,300 kg) cast iron fin/bulb keel |
| Rig & Mast Options | • Type: Keel-stepped, 9/10 fractional / masthead Bermuda sloop, 2 sets swept spreaders • Air Draft (Mast Height over Water): Standard ~59′ 7″ (18.16 m) (ICW capable at <65′) • Spars: Anodized aluminum with in-mast roller furling or classic slab-reefing mainsail |
| Sail Areas | Total standard upwind area ~914 – 1,076 sq. ft. (Mainsail: ~410 sq. ft.; 140% Furling Genoa: ~505–665 sq. ft.) |
| Engine Configurations | • Standard US Delivery: Westerbeke 63B Four (63 hp) or Yanmar 4JH3-TE (75 hp) • European / Optional Deliveries: Volvo Penta D2-55 (55 hp), Volvo D2-75, or Yanmar 4JH3-HTE (100 hp) |
| Drive System | Traditional straight shaft drive with dripless shaft seal, fixed 3-blade or optional folding/feathering propeller; cast bronze P-bracket |
| Tankage | • Fuel: 57 gal (220 L) (some European specs list 62 gal / 237 L) • Fresh Water: 222 gal (840 L) across multiple rotomolded polyethylene tanks |
| Layout Configurations | • 2-Cabin / 2-Head (Owner’s Version): Forward centerline island berth with en-suite head/shower; massive starboard aft cabin; huge dedicated port cockpit/galley storage lazarette pantry • 3-Cabin / 2-Head: Twin symmetrical double quarter berths aft, single forward owner stateroom; linear or modified L-shaped galley • 4-Cabin / 2-Head (Charter Version): Split forward staterooms (two double or bunk berths) and two aft cabins; in-line salon galley |
| Model Evolution | Early models featured deep cherry-stained mahogany joinery and green/white patterned fabrics; later production runs (2003–2005) saw streamlined electronics integration (Raymarine ST60/RL series), updated switch panels, and optional composite wheels. Succeeded by Berret-Racoupeau / Nauta-designed Oceanis 46 and 49. |
Sea Trial & Performance Evaluation: Beneteau Oceanis 473
The Beneteau Oceanis 473 (designed by Groupe Finot) is widely recognized among bluewater and coastal cruisers for delivering a remarkably balanced sailing hull. By pairing a generous waterline length (LWL 43′ 10″) with a moderate displacement-to-length ratio (D/L 129–144) and a beam carried well aft, the 473 behaves more like an offshore passagemaker than a traditional high-side production cruiser. It powers with authority in heavy head seas and demonstrates exceptional tracking under sail, particularly on reaches and broad off-the-wind angles.
Performance Under Power
The Oceanis 473 was commissioned with robust diesel packages—most commonly the Westerbeke 63B Four (63 hp) or the turbo-charged Yanmar 4JH3-TE (75 hp) turning a straight stainless shaft through an internal dripless seal.
| Operating RPM | Approximate Boat Speed | Fuel Consumption (est.) | Operational Profile |
| 1,800 – 2,000 RPM | 6.2 – 6.6 knots | 0.9 – 1.1 GPH | Low-load harbor transit / long-distance economy range |
| 2,400 – 2,600 RPM | 7.4 – 7.8 knots | 1.4 – 1.7 GPH | Standard cruising speed; hull settles into its waterline |
| 3,000+ RPM (WOT) | 8.4 – 8.8 knots | 2.5 – 3.2 GPH | Maximum sprint speed; full hull speed limit |
Hull Speed Math: The Oceanis 473 has a waterline length of 43.83 ft (13.36 m). Using the standard theoretical hull speed formula:
{Hull Speed} = 1.34 times sqrt {LWL} = 1.34 times sqrt {43.83} = approx 8.87 knots
Motoring Dynamics & Handling Characteristics
- Tracking & Thrust: The long waterline and substantial cast-iron keel (either 5′ 7″ shoal or 6′ 11″ deep) provide directional stability under power. The boat holds a compass course with minimal helm correction in a cross-breeze.
- Close-Quarters Docking: With dual steering wheels and a single spade rudder positioned directly aft of a fixed three-blade propeller, prop wash over the blade provides immediate steerage as soon as forward throttle is applied. In reverse, initial prop walk pulls the stern to port before water flow develops over the rudder; short, assertive bursts of throttle overcome the broad transom’s windage.
- Engine Insulation & Vibration: Factory sound attenuation around the central companionway machinery enclosure is effective. Service access to raw water strainers, primary fuel filters, and the dipstick is accessible via the gas-assisted lifting companionway stairs and side access doors in the aft cabins.
Performance Under Sail
Upwind Work (Beating & Close-Hauled: 35° – 45° AWA)
- Pointing Ability: When equipped with the Deep Draft (6′ 11″) keel and a slab-reefing mainsail, the 473 will point within 38° to 42° apparent wind angle without excessive leeway, consistently logging 6.8 to 7.3 knots in 14 to 18 knots of true breeze. The Shoal Draft (5′ 7″) version makes an additional 2° to 4° of leeway and prefers cracking off to 42°–45° AWA to maintain punch through chop.
- Heel Angle & Righting Moment: Groupe Finot designed the hull with hard-working firm bilges. Initial heel occurs relatively quickly up to roughly 12°–15°, at which point the wide hull form flares into the water plane, dramatically increasing secondary stability.
- Reefing Threshold: The vessel performs best sailed relatively flat. In true winds exceeding 18 knots, rolling a few turns into the 140% genoa or tucking the first reef into the mainsail reduces weather helm, decreases rudder drag, and often yields an immediate half-knot speed increase.
Off-the-Wind Performance (Reaching & Running: 60° – 150° AWA)
- Beam & Broad Reaching: This is the Oceanis 473’s strongest point of sail. In 18–22 knots of breeze on a beam reach (70°–90° AWA), speeds between 8.2 and 9.0 knots are routine. Surfs down ocean swells frequently push GPS speeds well past 10 knots without loss of directional control.
- Quartering Seas & Rudder Control: The deep, semi-elliptical balanced spade rudder maintains a firm grip on the water even when the boat heels down a wave face. Broaching tendencies are subdued compared to earlier-generation cruiser designs with narrower aft sections.
- Light-Air Characteristics (True Wind < 8 Knots): Given a base displacement of over 24,000 lbs, the standard in-mast furling mainsail and heavy Dacron cruising canvas can feel underpowered in under 7 knots of true wind. Carrying an asymmetrical cruising spinnaker or Code Zero on an optional bowsprit transforms the boat in light air, allowing it to sail at 60–75% of true wind speed.
Cockpit Ergonomics & Short-Handed Operation
- Dual Helm Visibility: The twin-wheel layout allows the helmsman to sit well outboard on either tack with clean sightlines along the genoa telltales and over the coachroof.
- Line Layout & Winch Positioning: Primary sheet winches (Lewmar 54 CSTs) are mounted within reach of the helm stations. Main halyard, reefing controls, and outhaul lines run aft to cabin-top winches through sheet stoppers under the dodger.
- Rig Rigidity: The keel-stepped mast with swept-back double spreaders eliminates the need for running backstays, creating a stiff, dependable rig for offshore cruising couples.
Market Value Influences & Due Diligence Factors
Common Survey Issues & Advisory Notes
- Waterline Transom Squatting: The broad transom and aft-carried volume tend to place the swim platform right at the static waterline, especially when equipped with heavy aft gear (generator, dinghy on davits, arch, outboards). Waterline bottom paint must be brought up over the transom knuckle to prevent waterline staining and exhaust scumming.
- Water Heater (Calorifier) Replacement Clearance: The factory water heater is shoehorned tightly into the aft machinery space. When the original unit fails, it cannot be pulled through standard access paths in one piece and must routinely be cut apart for extraction, followed by installing a slightly smaller footprint replacement.
- Keel-Stepped Mast Bilge Water: Because the mast is keel-stepped, internal mast halyard conduits weep rainwater directly into the central bilge sump. Bilge pump float switches and cycle counters must be maintained to keep the sump dry.
- Deck Core Moisture: While the hull is solid GRP (no cored hull below or above waterline), the deck is balsa-cored. Chainplates, stanchion bases, and the extensive forward deck hatch array (up to 7 foredeck hatches) must be sounded with a percussion hammer and checked with a moisture meter to ensure bedding integrity.
- Steering Linkage Friction: Dual steering wheels run via chains to wire-quadrant systems. Steering can feel heavy or lose tactile feedback if idler sheaves, crossover cables, and quadrant bearings have developed friction or play.
- Engine Type & Repower Premium: Westerbeke engines require careful inspection for parts availability and heat exchanger corrosion; boats equipped with Yanmar 4JH-series diesels command higher resale liquidity and value in the North American market.
Geographic & Market Valuation Drivers
- 2-Cabin vs. 3-Cabin / 4-Cabin: The 2-cabin Owner’s configuration commands a notable pricing premium among private cruising couples due to storage volume and generous galley spacing. The 3-cabin version trades fastest, while ex-charter 4-cabin layouts sit lower on the price spectrum.
- Draft & Location: The Shoal Draft (5′ 7″) version is heavily favored on the US East Coast, Bahamas, Chesapeake, and Gulf Coast. The Deep Draft (6′ 11″) commands better regard in California, the Pacific Northwest, and Europe for upwind club racing and bluewater tracking.
- Air Draft / ICW Friendly: At ~59′ 7″ mast clearance, it clears standard fixed 65′ bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Competitive Model Comparison Table
| Metric | Beneteau Oceanis 473 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2 | Catalina 470 | Bavaria 46 Cruiser |
| Production Era | 2000 – 2005 | 1997 – 2003 | 1998 – 2008 | 2004 – 2009 |
| Naval Architect | Groupe Finot | Philippe Briand | Gerry Douglas | J&J Design |
| LOA | 46′ 11″ (14.30 m) | 46′ 5″ (14.15 m) | 47′ 0″ (14.33 m) | 47′ 3″ (14.40 m) |
| LWL | 43′ 10″ (13.36 m) | 38′ 5″ (11.71 m) | 42′ 0″ (12.80 m) | 40′ 0″ (12.20 m) |
| Beam | 14′ 2″ (4.32 m) | 14′ 8″ (4.48 m) | 14′ 0″ (4.27 m) | 14′ 3″ (4.35 m) |
| Draft (Std / Deep) | 5′ 7″ / 6′ 11″ | 5′ 3″ / 6′ 7″ | 5′ 6″ / 7′ 9″ | 6′ 1″ / 6′ 9″ |
| Displacement | 24,277 lbs | 20,500 lbs | 27,500 lbs | 28,660 lbs |
| Ballast | 8,157 lbs (std) | 7,099 lbs | 9,500 lbs | 7,275 lbs |
| Standard Sail Area | ~1,000 sq. ft. | 947 sq. ft. | 967 sq. ft. | 1,022 sq. ft. |
| SA / Disp Ratio | 18.2 | 19.8 | 17.1 | 17.4 |
| Disp / Length (D/L) | 129 – 144 | 162 | 166 | 178 |
| Fuel / Water (Gal) | 57 / 222 | 54 / 158 | 84 / 243 | 55 / 121 |
| Key Differentiator | Exceptionally long LWL, fast under power/reach, keel-stepped mast. | Classic Briand sleek lines, lighter displacement, larger master aft option. | Heavier structural layup, deep bluewater tankage, lead keel, deck salon height. | Voluminous German build, teak decks common, twin heads with separate shower stalls. |
.