Beneteau Oceanis 523

This is a substantial 53-foot cruising yacht, designed by the Finot Group, known for blending performance with comfortable accommodations. Beneteau's Oceanis line is built for offshore cruising. The fiberglass hull, designed for speed and stability, provides a solid platform. The Finot Group's pedigree ensures a fast, efficient hull form, which is evident in its ORC rating of 1.0266 — a testament to its performance potential, even for a cruising yacht. This is not a flimsy production boat; it's engineered for serious sailing, capable of handling varied conditions, making it suitable for both Great Lakes sailing and potential bluewater passages.

Powering this Beneteau Oceanis 523 is a single Yanmar 4JH4HTE diesel engine, rated at 110 hp. With 2200 hours, this engine is well within its expected lifespan, assuming proper maintenance has been performed. Yammer engines are workhorses, known for their reliability and ease of service.

The interior layout of the Beneteau 523 is a significant selling point. It features three cabins, each with an en-suite head, plus a dedicated captain's quarters forward. This configuration provides exceptional privacy and comfort for owners, guests, and crew, making it ideal for extended cruising or entertaining. The panoramic windows and teak decks contribute to a bright, airy, and luxurious feel throughout the vessel. With four heads in total, convenience is prioritized.

Key updates include a sandblasted bottom in 2020 with West Epoxy barrier and Interlux 2000/VC17 bottom paint, maintained annually. A new rudder bearing was installed in 2021, and a new rubrail in 2022. Recent cosmetic upgrades include a new bimini and wheel covers in 2023, new mirrors in all four heads in 2021, and a new TV in the salon in 2022. A new jib furler top roller was also installed in 2023. These updates indicate an owner who has invested in the vessel's ongoing maintenance and appearance.

The race preparation for the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Race suggests the boat has been maintained to a higher standard than some pure cruisers, but also that it has been pushed. The Beneteau Oceanis 523 offers a rare combination of luxury accommodations, proven offshore capability, and genuine sailing performance.