The Beneteau 393 is a popular cruiser designed for those seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and versatility. Produced by renowned French boatbuilder Beneteau, this model was introduced in the early 2000s and quickly became a favorite among sailors due to its spacious interior, reliable sailing characteristics, and practical layout. Whether used for coastal cruising or extended voyages, the 393 embodies Beneteau’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Design and Construction
The Beneteau 393 was designed by Berret/Racoupeau, a reputable duo known for their performance-oriented cruising yachts. The 393 features a modern, sleek hull with a fin keel and spade rudder, ensuring good maneuverability and stability in various sea conditions. The hull is constructed using fiberglass (FG), making it lightweight yet durable. The deck layout is user-friendly, with wide side decks, a well-organized cockpit, and strategically placed winches and lines for ease of handling. With its fractional sloop rig, the 393 provides a flexible sail plan that can be managed by a short-handed crew.
Performance
Performance-wise, the Beneteau 393 strikes a balance between cruising comfort and sailing capability. With a sail area of around 832 square feet and a displacement of approximately 17,748 lbs (8,050 kg), the boat offers a respectable sail area-to-displacement ratio, allowing for decent speeds even in light wind conditions. The 393 is not a racer by any means but performs admirably for a cruising boat of its size. Its design makes it stable and predictable under sail, ideal for offshore passages or more relaxed coastal cruising. The 393 is also equipped with a reliable auxiliary engine (typically Yanmar) that offers sufficient power for motoring when necessary.
Comfort and Accommodations
The interior of the Beneteau 393 is where it truly shines. It was designed with comfort in mind, making it ideal for extended cruising or even living aboard. The 393 comes in a variety of layouts, typically offering two or three cabins with a spacious saloon and a well-equipped galley. The headroom is generous, giving the interior an open and airy feel. The master cabin usually features a queen-sized berth, while the other cabins provide ample sleeping space. Large windows and hatches allow for plenty of natural light and ventilation, enhancing the overall comfort for passengers. The boat is also equipped with significant storage space, making it practical for longer journeys.
Safety and Practicality
Safety is a key feature in the Beneteau 393’s design. The deep cockpit offers good protection from the elements, while the high lifelines and sturdy rails add to the sense of security while moving around the deck. The balanced hull and keel design provide stability, even in rougher seas, and the boat’s manageable sail plan ensures that it can be handled safely by a small crew. Additionally, Beneteau’s attention to detail in the construction ensures that key components, such as rigging, rudder, and keel attachments, are robust and reliable.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 393 offers a well-rounded package for sailors looking for a dependable, comfortable, and capable cruiser. Its thoughtful design, solid performance, and spacious accommodations make it a great option for families, couples, or anyone looking to spend extended time on the water. While it might not offer the same speed as a dedicated racing yacht, the Beneteau 393 makes up for it with its ease of handling, safety features, and overall practicality, making it a popular choice for cruising sailors worldwide.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA (Length Overall) | 38.16 ft / 11.63 m |
| LWL (Length Waterline) | 35.08 ft / 10.69 m |
| Sail Area (Reported) | 638.00 ft² / 59.27 m² |
| Beam | 13.00 ft / 3.96 m |
| Displacement | 17,152.00 lb / 7,780 kg |
| Max Draft | 5.08 ft / 1.55 m |
| Construction | FG (Fiberglass) |
| First Built | 2002 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Berret/Racoupeau |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks | |
| Maker | Volvo |
| Type | Diesel |
| Horsepower (HP) | 40 |
| Fuel Capacity | 36 gals / 136 L |
Accomodations | |
| Water Capacity | 119 gals / 450 L |
Sailboat calculations | |
| Sail Area / Displacement Ratio | 15.41 |
| Displacement / Length Ratio | 177.37 |
| Comfort Ratio | 24.18 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.02 |
| S# | 2.77 |
| Hull Speed | 7.94 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,629.48 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 46.08 ft / 14.05 m |
| J | 14.50 ft / 4.42 m |
| P | 40.33 ft / 12.29 m |
| E | 15.08 ft / 4.60 m |
| Sail Area Fore | 334.08 ft² / 31.04 m² |
| Sail Area Main | 304.09 ft² / 28.25 m² |
| Total Sail Area (100% Fore + Main) | 638.17 ft² / 59.29 m² |
| Estimated Forestay Length | 48.31 ft / 14.72 m |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 393 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.