Blue Water Sailing in a Beneteau 473

[Coolruns]

We are considering the purchase of a Beneteau 473 for a live aboard long term cruising boat.

Are there any owners out there with recommendations?

What do you like?

Dislike?

Any gear we should look for initially?

Happy New Year.

Best Regards,
Derek

[Tayzach]

I just purchased a 473 in May for that exact purpose. We love the boat. If you would like to talk specifics, feel free to PM me. We can set up a time to chat on the phone.

Larry
S/V TraSea
Beneteau 473 #25

[Coolruns]

Larry

Congrats!

Have you taken her out in blue water yet?

[night0wl]

I like the idea of big beneteaus for long term cruising...I say this as the owner of a small beneteau

Watch the iron keels. Watch for rigging weaknesses. Also, roller furler can be finicky. These are the only issues I've seen from my own ownership and a recent circumnavigation done on another number series Beneteau

[GeoPowers]

The 473 is soo awesome. Clearly can go all the fun places you want to in it! Congrats (I'm envious) and I believe there is a Yahoo Groups site dedicated to 473 owner's. Google it!

Frank

[Zanshin]

The Beneteau 473 has the reputation of being a hardy and solidly built boat that is well suited to blue water cruising without incurring the hefty price tag or other disadvantages found in what are sold as blue-water cruisers. Note that I've nothing against modern blue-water cruisers such as Hallberg-Rassy, Amel, Oyster, Hinckley, etc. but think that certain mass-production are also suited to the task if handled correctly.
I've seen numerous B473s here in the BVI that have been through the wars as charter vessels and, with a bit of cosmetic refitting, are still perfectly viable boats; unlike most other models which show their age after going through primary and secondary charter programs.

[boatman61]

Nice one.... as a previous owner of Beneteaus (smaller), two of which took me W to E across the Atlantic comfortably in every sense...
I think you've made a great choice especially if its been loved by the previous skipper...
I'm sure you'll do just dandy..

[nigel1]

I've owned a Bene 473 for the past year, a great boat. Previous owner made 4 Atlantic crossings. I've done a 70o mile trip in January around the UK, with winds up to 50 kts and she was fine.
Two changes I made, fitted a diverter for the genoa halyard to prevent halyard wrap, and also had a third deep reef put in the main, main was way too big with just the two reefs.
Mine came with spinnaker gear as well which was a bonus.

[sarafina]

MarkJ just completed a circ in his Beneteau 393...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...e-51829-5.html

[sailaway3662]

We purchased our 473 three years ago and lived on it for 1 1/2 years before purchasing a house. We miss it so much we are in the process of selling our home and moving back on the boat. Our plans are to spend the next 3-4 years out fitting for cruising and then heading south from Marina Del Rey in California.

Even though this boat does not have the features of a traditional blue water cruiser (skeg mounted rudder, fuller keel, and heavy displacement), in rougher weather we always feel safe and the boat has a nice motion to it (despite a lower motion comfort calculation that would indicate otherwise). Of course my previous boat was an Islander 36 which is also an outstanding boat (funny how sailors love every boat they've owned) so this is quite a step up.

Some things I have thought about: considering this boat turns on a dime, will the auto pilot be able to keep up with heavy following seas? Is the rudder sturdy enough- I will be sure to have an emergency rudder that I can deploy if needed. In mast furling- gets a lot of negitive press, however we have never had issues furling it. If anything, if not maintained properly, the outhaul can snag and make it hard to unfurl. The mast also has a built in track for a tri sail. The anchor locker has an open front that is basically a big green water scoop that will need to plugged before heading offshore.

Overall- love this boat and look forward to exploring in it.

[Rhian]

Sorry to add to an old post but .....

We also have a 473, bought in 2008. She did the ARC in 2007 and we are entered for this year so are happy to cross the Atlantic in her. Lovely boat, feels safe and eats up the miles.

Our boat is blue hulled and I believe these can fade badly but the previous owner had ours re-painted in Awlgrip so it is still shiny. We have added a feathering prop. and a chart plotter at the port helm plus new corian worktops for the galley as the originals can start cracking. A new anchor plus countless other items we didn't really need but 'wanted'.

Otherwise can't think of anything else and I wouldn't swop her!

[Coolruns]

Very nice boat.

I am envious.

Still hoping to sell my real estate and buy the boat.

Until then we will keep sailing and dreaming.