The Beneteau 473 is with acceptable motion comfort for coastal passages.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 43.8′, the Beneteau 473 tops out around 8.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √43.8′ LWL = 8.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
129
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
24.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Capsize Screening
1.96
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Hull Speed
8.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2,488lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
24.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.96
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Beneteau 473 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Catalina 42
Island Packet 420
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Beneteau 473.
| Beneteau 473 | Catalina 42 | Island Packet 420 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| LOA | 46.9 | 41.9 | 44.6 |
| LWL | 43.8 | 36.0 | 37.3 |
| Beam | 14.2 | 13.8 | 14.3 |
| Displacement | 24,277 | 20 | 30 |
| Ballast | — | 8 | 12 |
| Sail Area | — | 797 | 924 |
| Performance | |||
| PHRF | — | 96 | 126 |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.1 | 15.4 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 40.5 | 40.0 |
| Comfort | 24.3 | 25.4 | 34.1 |
| Capsize | 1.96 | 2.03 | 1.84 |
| Hull Speed | 8.9 | 8.0 | 8.2 |