2008 Beneteau Oceanis 40

What stands out on this Oceanis 40 is how cruisable she is for a couple without giving up “big boat” comforts. The twin wheels open up the cockpit so moving from helm to swim platform feels natural, especially when you’re juggling docklines or a snorkel mask. The aft cabin has the kind of real-world storage you need for extended trips—room for cruising spares, soft bags, and extra bedding without feeling cluttered. Under sail, the feathering prop noticeably reduces drag, so she keeps her way in lighter air. Solar on the arch means you can swing on the hook for days, run the fridge, and still wake up to full batteries rather than a generator rumble.

An Oceanis 40 is a sweet spot for these waters: big enough to ride out sloppy chop with confidence, yet shallow enough draft to sneak into those tighter anchorages others avoid. The broad, secure cockpit and walk-through transom make frequent docking, swimming, and dinghy shuttles easy, even when afternoon breezes pipe up. With reliable diesel power and efficient sail handling from the cockpit, you can pick your weather windows and still keep a flexible schedule. The combination of real tankage, solar, and comfortable interior volume suits both weekend escapes and longer seasonal cruising without feeling cramped or demanding a large crew.