Beneteau Oceanis 46

Beneteau Oceanis 46 (2009): The Volume King

The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 46, a product of the revered partnership between naval architects Finot-Conq and the interior design team at Nauta Design, represents the evolution of the modern cruising yacht. Designed to maximize comfort, easy short-handed sailing, and luxurious living space, the Oceanis 46 successfully delivers a true "home on the water" experience, making it a highly desirable vessel on the current second-hand market.

On Deck: A Cockpit Built for Living

The standout feature of the 46 is its vast cockpit. It is arguably the most expansive in its class for the period, easily accommodating six or more people for dinner.

• Twin Wheels: The dual helm configuration allows for excellent visibility forward, especially when heeled, and creates a clear, central passage to the transom.
• Transom Access: The sugar-scoop transom lowers to create a spacious swim platform, making dinghy access and swimming simple—a non-negotiable feature for serious cruisers.
• Rigging: The boat was frequently spec’d with an in-mast furling mainsail and a roller-furling genoa. This setup, while sacrificing some ultimate sail area, makes reefing and sail management effortless for a couple. All lines are generally led back to the cockpit, ensuring true short-handed capability.
• Deck Plan: The side decks are wide and clear, allowing safe and easy movement forward, crucial for handling anchor duties.

Performance: Stable and Predictable

The Oceanis 46 is not a racing machine, but a stable, dependable cruiser. The deep, moderately wide hull provides excellent initial stability, reducing excessive heel and maximizing comfort for those below deck.

She is easily driven in light to moderate air, clocking comfortable speeds around 6 to 7 knots on a beam reach. The generous displacement ensures she handles chop well, though the wide stern can sometimes feel heavy downwind in a following sea. The emphasis here is on reliable passage making and comfort, not record-breaking speed.

Below Deck: Bright, Spacious, and Voluminous

The interior volume of the Oceanis 46 is where the design truly shines. The Nauta touch is evident in the light, modern Alpi mahogany joinery (or optional pearwood) and the abundance of natural light.

• Salon: The raised coachroof maximizes light, creating a bright and airy main salon. The U-shaped dinette easily converts into a comfortable double berth, facing a sizable linear settee.
• Galley: The linear galley is practical and spacious, offering excellent counter space, a large fridge/freezer, and ample storage for extended cruising.
• Storage: Cruising sailors will appreciate the extensive storage capacity under bunks and settees, compensating for the lack of a true dedicated storage locker due to the design’s focus on cabin volume.

Additional features of this Oceanis 46

• Raymarine chartplotter
• Quick chain counter
• Bow thruster
• 5 hp honda outboard engine
• 100 meters of chain
• Onan generator
• Auto Pilot
• 2 air conditioners (heating and cooling)
• New dinghy boat
• Batteries changed
• Its maintenance and antifouling paint were completed in May 2024.
• Engine maintenance was done in July 2024
• 1-year rent of the marina was paid in May 2025