The Beneteau 46, launched in 2006, is a cruising sailboat that exemplifies the quality and craftsmanship Beneteau is known for. Designed by the renowned Berret-Racoupeau team, this yacht is intended for both leisurely cruising and more ambitious sailing adventures. With its spacious interior and well-thought-out deck layout, the Beneteau 46 has garnered a strong reputation among sailing enthusiasts and is often seen in charter fleets around the world.
Design and Construction
The Beneteau 46 features a sleek, modern design characterized by a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, enhancing stability and maneuverability. The yacht has an overall length of 46 feet and a beam of 14.25 feet, providing ample deck space. The construction is primarily fiberglass (FG), ensuring durability and low maintenance. The yacht’s layout, with a fractional sloop rig, allows for a balanced sail plan that can be adjusted easily for varying wind conditions.
Performance
Equipped with a powerful auxiliary engine, typically a 75 HP Yanmar diesel, the Beneteau 46 delivers excellent performance under both sail and power. The sail area of approximately 1,045 square feet contributes to its agility and responsiveness in various wind conditions. With a hull speed of around 8.4 knots, it performs well for cruising and racing alike. The yacht’s design incorporates a balanced displacement-to-length ratio, promoting stability and comfort during long voyages.
Comfort and Accommodations
One of the standout features of the Beneteau 46 is its spacious interior, designed for comfort and livability. The layout typically includes three cabins and two heads, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. The main saloon is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open design. The galley is well-equipped with modern appliances, making meal preparation enjoyable while at sea. Additionally, the cockpit is spacious and well-designed, providing a comfortable space for relaxation and entertainment.
Safety and Practicality
Safety is a key consideration in the design of the Beneteau 46. The yacht is equipped with features such as a solid handrail system, wide side decks, and a reliable rigging setup, ensuring secure movement around the boat. Its deep keel design lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability in rough waters. Moreover, the yacht’s ample storage space allows for the secure stowage of safety gear and provisions, making it practical for extended cruising.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Beneteau 46 is a versatile and well-designed cruising yacht that combines performance, comfort, and safety. Its thoughtful design and construction make it a suitable choice for both novice sailors and experienced mariners. With its spacious accommodations and reliable performance, the Beneteau 46 remains a popular option among those looking to explore the seas in style and comfort. Whether for family cruising or chartering, this yacht continues to impress with its ability to meet a wide range of sailing needs.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 47.24 ft / 14.40 m |
| LOD | 44.88 ft / 13.68 m |
| LWL | 40.03 ft / 12.20 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 1,006.43 ft² / 93.50 m² |
| Beam | 13.94 ft / 4.25 m |
| Displacement | 23,291.84 lb / 10,565 kg |
| Ballast | 6,426.47 lb / 2,915 kg |
| Max Draft | 6.73 ft / 2.05 m |
| Construction | FG (Fiberglass) |
| Ballast Type | Cast iron |
| First Built | 2007 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Berret-Racoupeau |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (orig. equip.) | |
|---|---|
| Make | Yanmar |
| Model | 4JH4AE |
| Type | Diesel; Saildrive |
| HP | 75 |
| Fuel | 53 gals / 200 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water | 140 gals / 530 L |
| Headroom | 6.36 ft / 1.94 m |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 19.82 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 27.59 |
| Disp. / Len. | 162.11 |
| Comfort Ratio | 25.54 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 1.96 |
| Hull Speed | 8.48 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,993.86 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 53.90 ft / 16.43 m |
| J | 16.40 ft / 5.00 m |
| P | 50.10 ft / 15.27 m |
| E | 17.39 ft / 5.30 m |
| S.A. Fore | 441.98 ft² / 41.06 m² |
| S.A. Main | 435.62 ft² / 40.47 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 877.60 ft² / 81.53 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calc.) | 17.28 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 56.34 ft / 17.17 m |
Sailboat Links | |
| Designers | Berret-Racoupeau |
| Builders | Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 46 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.