The Beneteau 323, designed by Groupe Finot and first introduced in 2001, is a versatile and popular cruiser known for its comfortable accommodations and ease of handling. This model strikes a balance between performance and comfort, making it an excellent choice for small families, couples, or even solo sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser.
Design and Construction
With a length overall (LOA) of 32.83 feet (10.01 meters) and a beam of 10.75 feet (3.28 meters), the Beneteau 323 offers a spacious interior and a stable platform for sailing. The boat features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, providing excellent maneuverability and stability under sail. Constructed from fiberglass (FG), the Beneteau 323 is lightweight yet durable, with a displacement of 4,230 kg (9,325 lbs), making it easy to handle in various conditions.
Performance
The Masthead Sloop rig and reported sail area of 50.35 m² (542 ft²) provide a good balance of power and control, ideal for leisurely cruising. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Displ) of 19.64 suggests the boat performs well in light winds while maintaining stability. Powered by a reliable 22 HP diesel engine, the Beneteau 323 also offers dependable motoring capabilities with a fuel capacity of 17 gallons (64 liters), suitable for extended trips.
On-Water Behavior
With a Ballast-to-Displacement ratio of 25.89%, the Beneteau 323 provides a stable and secure ride, even in choppier waters. The Comfort Ratio of 20.13 indicates a focus on cruising comfort, making this boat ideal for longer trips or weekends aboard. The Capsize Screening Index of 2.05 suggests it is well-suited for coastal cruising, offering good protection in moderate offshore conditions. Its hull speed of 7.24 knots makes it efficient for a boat of this size.
Accommodations
Designed for comfortable cruising, the Beneteau 323 features ample storage, a spacious saloon, and practical accommodations. With a water capacity of 42 gallons (159 liters), it is well-equipped for weekend getaways or short-term cruising. The interior is designed to maximize space and comfort, with features like a large V-berth, a full galley, and a functional cockpit for easy handling.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 323 is a well-designed, user-friendly cruiser that offers a great blend of performance and comfort. Whether you are an experienced sailor looking for a reliable coastal cruiser or a novice seeking an easy-to-handle boat, the Beneteau 323 delivers on all fronts. Its manageable size, spacious interior, and strong performance make it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy sailing with family or friends.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA | 32.83 ft / 10.01 m |
| LWL | 29.18 ft / 8.89 m |
| Sail Area (reported) | 542.00 ft² / 50.35 m² |
| Beam | 10.75 ft / 3.28 m |
| Displacement | 9,325.00 lb / 4,230 kg |
| Ballast | 2,414.00 lb / 1,095 kg |
| Max Draft | 4.75 ft / 1.45 m |
| Construction | Fiberglass (FG) |
| First Built | 2001 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Groupe Finot |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 22 |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 gallons / 64 liters |
| Accommodations | |
| Water Capacity | 42 gallons / 159 liters |
| Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displacement | 19.64 |
| Ballast / Displacement | 25.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 167.55 |
| Comfort Ratio | 20.13 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.05 |
| S# | 3.23 |
| Hull Speed | 7.24 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,120.83 pounds/inch |
| Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 42.67 ft / 13.01 m |
| J | 11.06 ft / 3.37 m |
| P | 38.91 ft / 11.86 m |
| E | 13.17 ft / 4.01 m |
| S.A. Fore | 235.97 ft² / 21.92 m² |
| S.A. Main | 256.22 ft² / 23.80 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 492.19 ft² / 45.73 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calculated) | 17.83 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 44.08 ft / 13.44 m |
| Sailboat Links | |
| Designers | Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| Builders | Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 323 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.