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The Beneteau Oceanis 400
Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics
Key Takeaways...
The Beneteau Oceanis 400 is a quintessential coastal and offshore cruiser from the early 1990s that prioritises interior volume and liveability over outright racing speed. Designed by the renowned Jean-Marie Finot, it features a hull with a wide beam carried well aft, providing impressive initial stability and a massive cockpit. While its ballast ratio is relatively modest, its hull form ensures a stiff, predictable ride in moderate conditions. It is widely regarded as a robust "value" choice for families or couples seeking a comfortable home on the water with the capability for extended blue-water passages if properly refitted.
The Beneteau Oceanis 400Table of Contents
Design & Construction
The Beneteau Oceanis 400 was born from a collaboration between the prolific designer Jean-Marie Finot and the world’s largest yacht builder, Beneteau. Launched in the early 1990s, the hull is constructed of solid glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) below the waterline, while the deck uses a balsa core for weight reduction and thermal insulation. This era of Beneteau construction is often praised for its "over-built" feel compared to modern ultra-light cruisers, offering a sense of security when the weather turns sour.
The key defining feature of the Oceanis 400 is its bulb keel and high-volume hull geometry. This design allowed Beneteau to lower the centre of gravity while maintaining a relatively shallow draft of 5'7" in the standard version. For cruising sailors, this means the ability to tuck into shallower anchorages without sacrificing too much upwind performance. The wide beam not only creates a cavernous interior but also provides significant "form stability," meaning the boat resists heeling early on, making life on board much more comfortable for less experienced crew members.
Beneteau produced the Oceanis 400 in several configurations to suit different markets. While the sloop rig remained standard, buyers could choose between a two-cabin "Owner" version or a three-cabin layout, the latter of which became a staple in the Mediterranean charter fleets. Draft options included the standard deep fin with a bulb or a shallower wing keel version for those sailing in thin waters like the Bahamas or the East Coast of England.
Published Specification: The Beneteau Oceanis 400 Blueprint
| Specification Parameter | Data Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Beneteau Oceanis 400 |
| Designer | Jean-Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| LOA | 39'4" |
| LWL | 34'9" |
| Beam | 13'0" |
| Draft (Standard) | 5'7" |
| Displacement | 18,739 lbs |
| Ballast | 5,291 lbs |
| Rig Type | Masthead Sloop |
| Hull Material | Solid GRP (Monolithic) |
| Production Dates | 1992 – 1997 |
Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios
The numbers below provide a objective look at how the Oceanis 400 behaves on the water. For a deeper dive into these metrics, see our guide on Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios.
| Design Ratio | Calculated Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) | 18.0 | Places the boat in the "Cruiser-Racer" or energetic cruiser category. It has enough power to move in light winds but isn't over-canvassed. |
| Displacement/Length (D/L) | 198 | Categorised as a "Light-Moderate" displacement hull. It is modern enough to surf occasionally downwind but has enough mass for momentum in a chop. |
| Ballast/Displacement (B/D) | 28.2% | On the lower side for a pure blue-water boat, indicating a reliance on hull shape (beam) for stability rather than just raw lead weight. |
| Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) | 1.96 | Below the critical 2.0 threshold. This suggests the boat is technically suitable for offshore passages and has a good resistance to capsize. |
| Brewer Motion Comfort Ratio | 26.5 | Typical for a modern fin-keel cruiser. It will feel more "active" in a sea than a heavy full-keel boat but is stable enough for long coastal hops. |
Advanced Analysis & Context
The choice of solid GRP for the hull material is a significant factor in the long-term maintenance of the Oceanis 400. Unlike cored hulls, which can suffer from delamination and water ingress if deck fittings are poorly sealed, the monolithic glass bottom of the 400 is remarkably tough. It provides a level of impact resistance that is reassuring when navigating areas with potential debris or when coming alongside less-than-perfect stone quays. While it makes the boat heavier than some modern carbon-infused equivalents, the trade-off in durability is one that most second-hand buyers are happy to accept.
The key defining feature, the bulb keel, plays a crucial role in balancing the boat's high-volume interior. By concentrating the ballast at the very bottom of the foil, Finot achieved a respectable righting moment without needing a deep 7'0" racing draft. This configuration, combined with the wide "stern-heavy" profile, allows the Oceanis 400 to track well on a reach. However, in heavy upwind conditions, the flat sections of the hull can occasionally "slam" into a head sea, a common trait for boats of this era that prioritised internal floor space.
Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics
Step below deck, and you immediately understand why the Oceanis 400 was such a commercial success. The interior is bathed in light thanks to the signature "Oceanis" deck saloon windows. The two-cabin version features a massive aft cabin that rivals many 45' yachts, while the three-cabin version is the practical choice for families. A standout feature is the galley; depending on the layout, you will find either a traditional L-shape or a long linear galley to port. The linear version provides excellent work surface area, though it can be a challenge to use securely while heeled on a starboard tack.
Cruising sailors will appreciate the generous tankage. With approximately 150 litres of fuel and 500 litres of fresh water, the boat is well-equipped for a week or more of independent swinging on the hook. The cockpit is another triumph of ergonomics, featuring a walk-through transom that makes boarding from a dinghy or swimming from the sugar-scoop stern incredibly easy. The primary winches are positioned within reach of the helm, allowing for reasonably easy short-handed sailing, provided the lines are led aft and the mast-mounted halyards have been converted to deck-led clutches.
One characteristic to watch for is the steering feel. The Oceanis 400 uses a large diameter wheel connected to a spade rudder. While it is responsive, the lack of a skeg means the rudder is more vulnerable to impacts. On the flip side, the manoeuvrability under power is excellent, and the boat will turn almost in its own length, making Mediterranean-style "stern-to" mooring a relatively stress-free affair.
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Summing Up
The Beneteau Oceanis 400 remains a benchmark for the "modern classic" cruising yacht. It successfully balances the conflicting requirements of interior comfort and sailing performance through clever design ratios and a hull shape that remains relevant thirty years after its debut. While it is not the fastest boat on the racecourse, nor the heaviest "tank" for a Southern Ocean rounding, its mid-range displacement and respectable capsize screening score make it a versatile all-rounder. Potential owners should pay close attention to the age of the standing rigging and the condition of the hull-deck joint, but for those seeking a spacious, reliable, and capable cruiser for the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or coastal UK waters, the Oceanis 400 is a very difficult package to beat.
For specs, performance analysis and cruising characteristics of other boats within this size range, take a look at Popular Cruising Boats from 40' to 45' Overall.
This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), and erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Beneteau Oceanis 400 capable of a transatlantic crossing?
Is the Beneteau Oceanis 400 capable of a transatlantic crossing?
Yes, many 400s have successfully crossed the Atlantic. Its Capsize Screening Formula of 1.96 and robust solid GRP hull make it suitable for offshore work, provided it is equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as a sea anchor and upgraded charging systems.
Does the boat suffer from osmosis?
Does the boat suffer from osmosis?
Like many GRP boats from the 1990s, some Oceanis 400s have shown signs of blistering. However, Beneteau’s use of vinylester resins in the outer layers during this period significantly reduced the risk. A professional survey is always recommended to check the hull's moisture levels.
How does it perform under power?
How does it perform under power?
Most models were fitted with a Perkins or Yanmar engine ranging from 40hp to 50hp. This is ample power for a boat of this displacement, allowing for a comfortable cruising speed of 6 to 7 knots at 2,400 RPM.
Which is better, the linear galley or the L-shaped galley?
Which is better, the linear galley or the L-shaped galley?
This is a matter of preference. The linear galley offers more "counter space" and feels more open, making it better for entertaining at anchor. The L-shaped galley is generally safer and more functional for cooking while the boat is underway and heeling.
Can the Oceanis 400 be sailed solo?
Can the Oceanis 400 be sailed solo?
It is a large boat for one person, but with an effective autopilot and all lines led back to the cockpit, solo sailing is quite manageable. Many owners install a bow thruster to assist with docking, as the high topsides can catch the wind when moving at slow speeds in a marina.
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