Comparing the Oceanis 423 to the legendary Oceanis 411, the 423 outperforms the latter in many ways, thanks to improved comfort, lighting, performance and size, in particular thanks to the new wheelhouse. This article provides a small analysis of the new Oceanis 423 and its predecessor, the popular Oceanis 411.
The Oceanis 411, as the predecessor to the Oceanis 423, deserves a compliment: more than 1,300 Oceanis 411 yachts have been sold worldwide, an undeniable success for the 12m boat. Architects from the Finot design bureau have developed a new comfortable yacht with improved technical characteristics. The new Oceanis 423 is more durable, with excellent sailing performance, a simple deck layout and an ergonomic cockpit.
Undoubtedly, it was not easy for Beneteau to develop a model of the same class without completely repeating the successful example of the Oceanis 411. In this regard, the dimensions of the Oceanis 423 are slightly increased – by 30 cm. These 30 cm increased the aft part, which made it possible to move the aft cabins closer to aft and enlarge the salon.
Other changes also influenced the technical characteristics: the draft was increased to 2.10 m, which allows the use of a less heavy false keel with an equal load on the sails.
Accordingly, the speed has increased, the ship keeps better on the course. But the most striking changes and improvements took place inside the yacht: amazing spaciousness, a good combination of lighting and ventilation, excellent organization of living space – all this contributes to a comfortable stay on the yacht and receiving guests.
Oceanis 423 Driving Performance
Just a little more. Compared to the Oceanis 411, the Oceanis 423 has a longer hull, sail area and displacement. The Oceanis 423 is easier to fly and moves faster on any course.
Our test drive took place in the Atlantic off the coast of Vendee (Vendea region), with a wind speed of 25 knots and storm surges. Oceanis 423’s behavior did not deceive us. Earlier, Bateaux magazine (1997 # 472) wrote regarding Oceanis 411: “The ship goes easily, even in a storm. The boat is very popular, it gently rises on the wave – spray only occasionally sprayed the awning over the entrance to the cabin. “
Not surprisingly, after seven years, his follower, with a longer hull and higher sides, with an enlarged wheelhouse, appeared on the green Atlantic waves: not a single drop of spray reaches the helmsman, despite the 2 meter draft … Wave germination is excellent, movement even with strong waves it is very uniform – the yacht smoothly rises on the wave and also smoothly descends from it, without impacts and yaw.
The deck layout is very comfortable and simple. The wheelhouse is very interesting, which is made in the form of 2 levels. The new wheelhouse does not reduce the visibility for the helmsman, but provides wide deck aisles along the sides. All sail control is in the cockpit. The mainsail is equipped with a system of automatic reefs, the boom is equipped with a rigid guy. Two people are enough to drive this boat weighing almost 9 tons.
The centering of the yacht is such that the helmsman, due to good stability on the course, can release the steering wheel for a while. In general, the Oceanis 423 is very light and easy to handle: although the boat feels heavy and powerful, the steering wheel is very informative, the rotation radius is relatively small, and the yacht, due to its excellent stability, does not give much heel. The vessel keeps its course perfectly, and the speed is more than sufficient for a comfortable sea voyage.
Although we were unable to sail the full course due to the strong wind, the speed of which in gusts exceeded 30 knots, and also because of the small crew – there were only two of us on board, we can draw the following conclusion: to fly the Oceanis 423 in a stormy sea on full courses somewhat more complicated. In our opinion, for this yacht in strong winds, the backstay course is preferable to the forewind.
The steering wheel becomes a little tighter and less responsive. Overall, however, the ship is doing well, the list is small, even despite the full sails. We noticed only one drawback: the lack of special footrests for the helmsman, who often has to stand during fresh weather.
Interior Oceanis 423
An abundance of light. The new shape of the cockpit made it possible to increase the interior space and improve the lighting of the cabin thanks to additional windows.
Eight side windows, 8 portholes in the sides of the wheelhouse, a panoramic deck window – all this gives a lot of light, provides excellent ventilation, a wonderful view of the sea and good visibility of the sails. In the salon, around the table, there is a U-shaped sofa. Two cabins with huge double sofas are located aft, while another double cabin is located forward. The corner galley is located on the right side. The galley is very comfortable and practical. Also in the salon opposite the table there is a sofa along the port side.
The three-cabin version is the most popular (the company also produces a 4-cabin version with 2 bow cabins) and is suitable for both charter use and family cruises. In this case, the galley is located along the port side and is equipped with a very large number of lockers and boxes. The aft latrine is located on the starboard side of the gangway – it is spacious and equipped with a separate shower.
The bow cabin is equipped with a 2-berth sofa, which is located in the center. This option for the location of the sofa is not very convenient when moving with a roll, but it is good for relaxing while parking; but the usefulness and practicality of the sofa at the entrance is in doubt. The navigator’s seat and the card table in particular are of a suitable size, equipped with a large number of drawers. However, this does not apply to the layout of the 3 toilets yacht.
You will appreciate the abundance of cabinets, drawers, shelves, both in the salon and in the cockpit. High ceiling: more than 2 m near the gangway, 1.92 m in the aft cabins and 1.87 m in the bow of the saloon and in the forward cabin. The cherry wood interior trim of this spacious cruiser is top notch.
Conclusion on the layout of Oceanis 423
The kitchen, located along the side in the 3-cabin layout, is well equipped with a large work space.
The salon is very comfortable and beautiful, and thanks to the new panoramic porthole, the interior is very bright and pleasant.
The table in the salon can be expanded (as an option), doubled.
The yacht is very light – eight side windows and eight deck hatches provide excellent light transmission.
The card table has a suitable size, the electrical panel is easily accessible and convenient.
The bow cabin is narrow and the reading sofa at the entrance does not add to the convenience. The aft cabins are spacious and equipped with many lockers.
General conclusion
Before the appearance of the Oceanis 423, more than 1,300 Oceanis 411 yachts were sold. The manufacturers took into account the experience of the Oceanis 411: the internal volume of the premises was increased, the lighting and ventilation of the yacht were improved, the ceiling height and the sail area were increased. Not to mention the swivel steering column and the collapsible steering bank! The new Oceanis 423 is a success and will compete with its predecessor, the 411, especially in the 3 cabin version with 2 toilets.
Pros of the yacht:
– spaciousness of premises and excellent illumination
– high strength of the body
Cons of the yacht:
– a small sofa in the bow cabin is useless
– on a full course the yacht lies on the rudder
Source: Bateaux Magazine
Chief Editor
clippercruisernobleoceanis
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