The Beneteau 523 is a premier cruising yacht designed to offer a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and luxury. Designed by Groupe Finot, this sailboat is part of the Oceanis range, aimed at serious cruisers who prioritize long-range sailing, spacious accommodations, and ease of handling. Launched in 2001, the 523 embodies Beneteau’s commitment to blending modern design with reliable sailing characteristics.
Design and Construction
The Beneteau 523 features a fin keel with a bulb and spade rudder, providing excellent stability and responsiveness at sea. With a LOA of 53.31 ft (16.25 m) and a beam of 16.01 ft (4.88 m), it is a spacious vessel, ideal for extended blue-water cruising. The hull is constructed from fiberglass (FG), ensuring durability, low maintenance, and lightweight performance. The yacht is designed with sleek lines, a long waterline of 48.00 ft (14.63 m), and a fractional sloop rig, making it a versatile and balanced performer in various wind conditions.
Performance
Performance is one of the highlights of the Beneteau 523. With a generous sail area of 1,624 ft² (150.87 m²), this sailboat can make the most of light to moderate winds. The Sail Area/Displacement (S.A./Displ.) ratio of 26.52 indicates that it is a powerful sailer, delivering speed and agility. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 35.53% provides excellent stability, especially in offshore conditions. The hull speed of 9.28 knots ensures good cruising speeds over long distances. Designed to perform well even with a reduced crew, its rigging and sail plan are manageable and responsive, suitable for both experienced sailors and cruising families.
Comfort and Accommodations
Beneteau designed the 523 with comfort at the forefront, making it ideal for long-distance cruising or liveaboard lifestyles. The interior layout is spacious, featuring high-end finishes, multiple cabins, and ample storage. The boat can accommodate larger groups or families comfortably with plenty of living space below deck. Its beam of 16.01 ft provides a wide salon and galley, while the water tank capacity of 119 gals (450 L) and fuel capacity of 198 gals (750 L) are suited for extended voyages. The large windows and hatches ensure plenty of natural light and ventilation.
Safety and Practicality
The Beneteau 523 is designed with offshore cruising in mind, emphasizing safety and seaworthiness. The ballast of 10,965 lbs (4,974 kg) gives it a solid righting moment, while the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 2.05 indicates good safety in heavy seas. The Comfort Ratio of 23.95 suggests a stable and comfortable ride, even in rough conditions. Practical features like a large cockpit with seating, easy-to-handle deck gear, and the thoughtful placement of lines and winches make it safe and easy to manage for both short-handed crews and full crews.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 523 is an excellent choice for sailors seeking a well-rounded cruising yacht that combines speed, comfort, and safety. It’s designed for long passages or liveaboard use, offering luxurious accommodations alongside impressive sailing performance. Whether navigating coastal waters or embarking on a transoceanic voyage, the Beneteau 523 stands out as a versatile and reliable cruiser that doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 53.31 ft / 16.25 m |
| LWL | 48.00 ft / 14.63 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 1,624.00 ft² / 150.87 m² |
| Beam | 16.01 ft / 4.88 m |
| Displacement | 30,864.00 lb / 14,000 kg |
| Ballast | 10,965.00 lb / 4,974 kg |
| Max Draft | 7.71 ft / 2.35 m |
| Construction | FG |
| First Built | 2001 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Groupe Finot |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (orig. equip.) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Diesel |
| Fuel | 198 gals / 750 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water | 119 gals / 450 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 26.52 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 35.53 |
| Disp. / Len. | 124.59 |
| Comfort Ratio | 23.95 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.05 |
| S# | 4.51 |
| Hull Speed | 9.28 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 2,745.86 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 65.22 ft / 19.88 m |
| J | 20.77 ft / 6.33 m |
| P | 59.87 ft / 18.25 m |
| E | 22.28 ft / 6.79 m |
| S.A. Fore | 677.31 ft² / 62.92 m² |
| S.A. Main | 666.95 ft² / 61.96 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 1,344.26 ft² / 124.89 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calc.) | 21.95 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 68.45 ft / 20.86 m |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 523 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.