The Beneteau 461 is a highly regarded cruiser that blends elegant design, solid construction, and excellent performance. Designed by Bruce Farr for Beneteau, this model is popular among cruising enthusiasts for its spacious layout and comfortable accommodations. Introduced in the late 1990s, the 461 is part of Beneteau’s Oceanis range, which is known for its easy handling and luxurious interiors, making it ideal for long voyages and liveaboard experiences.
Design and Construction
The Beneteau 461 features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, a common setup in modern cruising sailboats that balances stability and maneuverability. It has a sleek and modern design with a masthead sloop rig, maximizing sail area and improving performance on various points of sail. The hull is constructed from fiberglass (FG), which offers durability and requires low maintenance.
The LOA (Length Overall) of 46.59 feet and a beam of 13.95 feet provide ample space, both on deck and below. With a displacement of 20,944 lbs and a ballast of 7,496 lbs, the boat is balanced for ocean cruising and can handle different weather conditions with ease. The draft of 5.74 feet ensures good performance while allowing access to shallow anchorages.
Performance
The Beneteau 461 is designed to perform well under various wind conditions. With a reported sail area of 832 square feet, the boat has a favorable sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.59, which indicates that the vessel can generate significant power even in light winds. The 461’s hull speed of 8.41 knots reflects its capacity to cruise at a comfortable pace over long distances.
The masthead sloop rig setup allows for ease of sail handling, and the boat can be managed with a small crew. The engine, typically a Yanmar 4JH2E, provides reliable auxiliary power, particularly for motoring into headwinds or maneuvering in tight spaces. The 53-gallon fuel tank and 145-gallon water tank offer sufficient capacity for extended trips without frequent stops.
Comfort and Accommodations
One of the standout features of the Beneteau 461 is its spacious and comfortable interior, designed for long-term cruising. The boat can accommodate multiple guests with ease, offering up to three cabins and two heads. The headroom of over 6 feet makes the interior feel open and spacious. The saloon features a large seating area, a functional galley, and plenty of storage.
The quality of the woodwork and the overall finish in the interior is a hallmark of Beneteau craftsmanship, combining durability with elegance. The layout is ideal for entertaining while also being practical for extended living aboard, with well-ventilated cabins and ample natural light through deck hatches and ports.
Safety and Practicality
The Beneteau 461 was designed with safety in mind, offering a sturdy platform for offshore cruising. Its high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 35.79 ensures stability in rough conditions, while the comfortable 23.30 comfort ratio indicates that the boat can handle heavy seas with minimal discomfort. The boat’s capsize screening formula of 2.03 falls within the safe range for offshore vessels.
The deck layout is designed for ease of movement, with all lines led aft to the cockpit, allowing the crew to manage sails efficiently and safely. The deep, secure cockpit provides excellent protection in heavy seas, and the twin-wheel steering system ensures responsive control. Practical elements like the substantial storage space, easy engine access, and well-placed handrails contribute to the overall safety and livability of the boat.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 461 is a well-rounded cruiser, offering a combination of solid performance, comfortable accommodations, and proven safety features. Its design makes it ideal for both casual coastal cruising and long-distance ocean passages. The quality construction, luxurious interior, and ease of handling make it a favorite among both private owners and charter companies. Whether you are looking for a boat for extended voyages or simply want a reliable and comfortable cruiser, the Beneteau 461 stands as a solid choice that combines elegance, practicality, and performance.
Specifications
| Hull Type: | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type: | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA: | 46.59 ft / 14.20 m |
| LWL: | 39.37 ft / 12.00 m |
| S.A. (reported): | 832.00 ft² / 77.30 m² |
| Beam: | 13.95 ft / 4.25 m |
| Displacement: | 20,944.00 lb / 9,500 kg |
| Ballast: | 7,496.00 lb / 3,400 kg |
| Max Draft: | 5.74 ft / 1.75 m |
| Construction: | FG |
| First Built: | 1996 |
| Last Built: | 2001 |
| Builder: | Beneteau |
| Designer: | Bruce Farr & Armel Briand |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
|---|---|
| Make: | Yanmar |
| Model: | 4JH2E |
| Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel: | 53 gals / 201 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water: | 145 gals / 549 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ.: | 17.59 |
| Bal. / Displ.: | 35.79 |
| Disp. / Len.: | 153.22 |
| Comfort Ratio: | 23.30 |
| Capsize Screening Formula: | 2.03 |
| S#: | 3.40 |
| Hull Speed: | 8.41 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion: | 1,962.39 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I: | 54.53 ft / 16.62 m |
| J: | 15.94 ft / 4.86 m |
| P: | 46.55 ft / 14.19 m |
| E: | 17.06 ft / 5.20 m |
| S.A. Fore: | 434.60 ft² / 40.38 m² |
| S.A. Main: | 397.07 ft² / 36.89 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles): | 831.67 ft² / 77.26 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calc.): | 17.58 |
| Est. Forestay Length: | 56.81 ft / 17.32 m |
| Mast Height from DWL: | 59.06 ft / 18.00 m |
Sailboat Links | |
| Designers: | Bruce Farr |
| Builders: | Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 461 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.