Because of the Beneteau Oceanis 60’s 16’4” (4.99 m) beam, she has the room below normally found on a powerboat of her size, but with the comfort of an ocean-going sailboat. She has two layout plans available and an innovative cockpit.
Join us as BoatTest.com takes a look at the features of this elegant sailing yacht:
The following opinions are solely those of BoatTest.com and its test captain.
Hi Capt. Steve for BoatTest.com and today we’re going to look at the features of a cruising sailboat, the Beneteau Oceanis 60. We’ll start on deck with what will probably be the most popular area while underway – the cockpit.
The entire area can be enclosed by a custom Bimini and Dodger made right at the factory in France, and it even includes a convenient pouch next to the seats and rope lighting above. Just ahead of the cockpit there’s an open space on the cabin top that can accommodate an optional sunpad that will also lift to form a forward-facing chaise.
The cockpit seating is long and comfortable, easily accommodating a large group of guests. As with all Beneteaus above 48 feet, these have the 4-inch cushions upgraded from the 2-inch of the smaller boats.
The teak table in the center has insulated coolers that can be swapped out as a refrigerated table, but with that being so exposed, we wouldn’t recommend it. Flip-up leaves are on to both sides, behind the helms are two deck-mounted cushions for additional relaxation.
Fully aft the transom lowers by either a switch at the helm or from a handheld remote to launch the custom-made tender and add a teak beach to the day’s fun. A swim ladder mounts to the center, a hot/cold shower is just up on deck.
Moving below deck the convenience features are really packed in. Firstly, the nav station to starboard easily serves as an onboard office, complete with gooseneck LEDs. Storage is seemingly everywhere and in all cases there are fiddles to hold items in place including this beautiful bottle and stemware holder.
Natural light comes from multiple overhead skylights and side windows with electrically actuated shades. More shades close off the view from the cockpit, and the center entry closes off both mechanically and manually.
Courtesy lights make for welcome environment after the sun goes down, and quality materials are used throughout. All cabinetry is satin finished Alpi wood made from multiple layers of compressed veneer. Raised edges can be seen throughout.
We’ve seen this level of comfort on much larger yachts, and here it blends seamlessly with the surroundings. A sofa to port is well padded for extra comfort. Directly across is seating for 6 surrounding a solid wood table that not only expands, it rotates to accommodate everyone while still allowing accessibility to all the seats.
A flat-screen TV is mounted to the forward bulkhead. The main mast is right next to that and wood surround was removed from this one for servicing just before our arrival. And there’s certainly an open and airy feel to this area with ceilings at 6-feet 11-inches, which for me anyway, made for grab handles that were a little high.
Moving be to the galley, there’s a freezer box and plenty of open counter space for food prep and serving. And here’s a nice touch, the flush mounted trash receptacle. Just sweep the debris right in.
Of course we have the usual microwave and the 3-burner stove is mounted to gimbels. The gas bottles are stored in dedicated compartments up on deck. There’s a double-basin stainless sink and plenty of storage.
Now let’s take a look at the accommodations of this 3 stateroom, 3 head yacht. To either side of the companionway, there are guest cabins. To starboard the stateroom has twin berths that convert to a queen with a filler cushion. A vanity is just inside the entrance.
To the opposite side is the entrance to the head. As with the head opposite this one also includes a walk-in shower and plenty of storage. To port it starts with the dayhead that also has a private entrance from the guest cabin.
The guest cabin has a queen-size berth and there’s plenty of natural light from windows facing to the side and rear windows leading to the tender garage. For measurements we got 6-feet 2-inches of headroom, and the berth measures 7-feet by 5-feet 2-inches.
And finally, we have the master stateroom forward. This cabin features an island queen berth, the same high overhead that we saw in the salon, a vanity with mirror is a nice touch. There’s a dedicated shoe storage rack to the side. Seating to the sides of the berth come in handy for getting those shoes on and off.
Again the head with its private entrance has the same walk-in shower and plenty of storage and a solid surface counter. Now one other thing: Beneteau offers this forward crew quarters at the bow and without crew on board, makes an ideal place to stash the kids. It includes bunk beds, a head and sink.
In our opinion this yacht represents some of the best features that the Beneteau shipyard has to offer. All in a yacht that is capable of distance cruising through both harsh and comfortable conditions, while her occupants remain comfortable throughout.
And that’s our look at the features of the new Oceanis 60 from Beneteau. For BoatTest.com, I’m Capt. Steve. We’ll see you on the water.