2005 Beneteau Oceanis 473

The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 473 is a three-stateroom cruising sailboat designed for both blue-water passages and shallow-water exploration. Her 5'7" draft bulb keel and 60-foot bridge clearance make her equally at home in the open ocean and the skinny waters of the Chesapeake and Bahamas. The single Perkins diesel engine produces 65 horsepower, with a cruising speed around 7.3 knots. All halyards and sheets lead to the cockpit, and an electric cabin-mounted winch assists with mainsail handling. The mast is supported by sturdy pulpits and well-placed handholds throughout the deck.

Below, the three-cabin layout centers on a spacious master stateroom forward with its own head and separate shower stall. Two guest staterooms aft each feature double berths and dedicated heads. The galley offers generous counter space and storage, including a top-loading freezer and front-loading refrigerator. The dinette seats six comfortably with a large table for dining and entertaining. Twelve lifting hatches throughout the yacht provide exceptional ventilation, while reverse-cycle heat and air conditioning operate from either shore power or the onboard generator.

The cockpit is a comfortable entertaining space, enclosed with clear Isinglass panels and shaded by a large Bimini top. A folding leaf table with custom cushions accommodates social gatherings, and a walk-through transom with davits and swim platform simplifies water access. The wide foredeck offers plenty of room to relax at anchor. An EPIRB and inspected life raft are included.

The bottom was media blasted and barrier coated in 2020, then hauled again for two coats of ablative paint in August 2024. The three toilets are currently being replaced. The boat is actively sailed with regular system exercise.