The Beneteau Oceanis 473 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Beneteau Oceanis 473

Underwater Configuration: Bulb fin keel with spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 46'11" (14.3m)

Waterline Length: 43'10" (13.4m)

Beam: 14'2" (4.3m)

Draft: 5'7" (1.7m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 24,277lb (11,012kg)

Designer: Groupe Finot

Builder: Beneteau (France)

Year First Built: 2000

Year Last Built: 2005

There were alternative versions of the Beneteau 473:

• Performance Version: Taller mast, deeper keel, and larger sail area.
• Comfort Version: Shorter mast, shallower keel, and smaller sail area.

Published Design Ratios for the Beneteau 473 Sailboat

• With a Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.5, the boat falls within the range that suggests reasonably good performance, highlighting its adequate power for various sailing conditions while not reaching the high-performance threshold of boats above a ratio of 20.

• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio sits at 33.6, which does not reach the stiffer rating of 40 or more, indicating a somewhat less stiff configuration that might not stand up to the wind as robustly as heavier ballasted boats. Importantly, the placement of ballast, which isn't factored into this ratio, plays a critical role in actual performance and stability. The 473, having a bulb keel is a good example of the limitation of this ratio. As a result of the low distribution of her ballast she will be a good deal stiffer than the published Ballast/Displacement Ratio would suggest.

• The Displacement/Length Ratio of 129 places the Beneteau 473 in the Light Displacement category, suggesting the boat is designed for speed and efficient sailing without requiring a substantial sail area to achieve its hull speed.

• The Comfort Ratio is measured at 24.6, positioning this model within the moderate stability range typical of coastal cruisers. It promises a balance of comfort and responsiveness, though it might not match the comfort levels of heavier bluewater boats.

• With a Capsize Screening Formula result of 1.9, the design underlines a sturdy build with good blue water potential, indicating a lower vulnerability to capsizing.

However, it's important to recognize that these theoretical ratios, including the Ballast/Displacement and Comfort Ratios, have limitations.

For instance, the Ballast/Displacement Ratio doesn't account for ballast placement, affecting real-world stiffness and stability.

Additionally, Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio generally favors more traditional heavy displacement designs, and may not perfectly represent the comfort of more modern, light-displacement designs like the Beneteau 473, which also maintain sufficient bluewater capabilities.