2005 Beneteau Beneteau 473

Step aboard and you’ll notice how easy this 473 is to actually live with, not just sail. The wide companionway and gentle steps make trips below safe underway, and once you’re inside, the galley is laid out so the cook can brace in a seaway without chasing pots. Ventilation is excellent, with opening ports and hatches that keep the saloon bright and dry in all seasons. At the helm, the twin-wheel cockpit feels secure yet open, with plenty of room to stretch out on passage or gather friends at anchor. Generous storage—cockpit lockers, deep bilge spaces, and clever cabinetry—means the gear for long trips disappears neatly out of sight.

This Beneteau 473 shines in waters where conditions change quickly, from flat summer calms to blustery fronts. The hull form offers a reassuring motion in a seaway, while still slipping along efficiently in lighter air common between weather systems. A powerful but manageable sail plan lets a small crew adjust easily as the breeze builds or fades. The deep, secure cockpit and high coamings inspire confidence when wind and chop are up, yet provide a comfortable outdoor living area when the hook is down in a quiet cove. With ample tankage and storage, it’s well suited to longer hops between harbors without constant resupply.