Beneteau 473

[johnny333]

hi iam thinking of buying a 473 2002 or 2003 is there any advice out there good or bad ,iam planing to live aboard in the islands for 3 to 4 years,then take it through the canal,and eventually to australia,where iam from,my budget is around 200.000,and you get a lot of boat for the money with the 473 and strength. thats my take on it,let me know your thoughts thanks johnny

[GySgt]

Originally Posted by johnny333

hi iam thinking of buy a 473 is there any advice out there good or bad thanks johnny

I would read this first http://www.sailnet.com/forums/sailnet-how-tos/39379-newcomers-get-more-out-sailnet.html and then pose the question.

There is a lot of experience and opinions out there, but you have to give them enough information.

[sailortjk1]

Where are your cruising grounds?
How will you be using it?
What is your experince?

Lots of room and very comfortable.
Most are set up for shorthanded/easy sailing. i.e. roller furling in mast main.
Build quality is always a concern with the mass produced boats. It is also what makes them so attractive to alot of perspective owners.
It really depends on how you plan on using it.
She will not be a rocket ship nor will she be a slug. Our Bending 361 sails very nice. Not a speed sled but not the slowest thing out there either.
If you are a world cruiser, well if you were a world cruiser you probably would not be asking this question.
For an island hopper, I think she would be a good fit.
She would be a great fit for the Great Lakes, that is my home waters.
I can't comment on other parts of the world.
We looked very closely at this model last year.
We really liked the boat.

[johnny333]

i have sailed since i was a kid,around the pacific in 30 foot yachts to 60 footers iam from australia.and now living in nyc, for the past 5 years,i will be sailing around the Caribbean for 3 to 4 years island hopping to get my sea legs back, as i have not sailed for quite a while, the back to australia through the canal