474 First Boat

[hlads]

At 53 I am my wife are just taking up sailing and plan to buy a 473 for day and weekend sailing. Would welcome any advice on the general suitabilty of this boat and size for the two of us. I know it would be sensible to start smaller but am not keen to buy a boat for a year or two and then upgrade.All thoughts appreciatedBrian

 

[Rick I]

Biggest problem

Sometimes I think sailing a bigger boat is easier. Your biggest problem will be coming alongside, especially at a floating dock because of the high freeboard of the 473. Having a bow thruster will make it a bit easier but one of you will have to make that big leap down to the dock unless you have help ashore all the time.

 

[Tom]

Beneteau 473

Two years ago I moved up from a Beneteau 311 to a Beneteau 361 and I love my new boat but it is quite hard to manage the bigger boats. A lot more systems to be aware of and maintain. I could easy singlehand the smaller boat but the 36 foot boat is quite a lot to handle. You might look at something smaller if you are only doing day and weekend sailing. That said I have a friend that has a 473 and he loves it. He sails to Bermunda on a regular basis and doesn't hestitate to cruise down to Florida. The 473 is a beautiful boat but you probably would have a lot less headaches if you got a 393 and just as much fun.Enjoy whatever you get because there is nothing like sailing.