BENETEAU 523
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 53.31 ft |
| LWL | 48 ft |
| Beam | 16.01 ft |
| Draft | 7.71 ft |
| Displacement | 30,864 lb |
| Ballast | 10,966 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.3 kn |
About the BENETEAU 523
Shallow draft version - draft: 5.92' Also called OCEANIS 523. A number of other interior layouts available besides the one shown here.
The Beneteau 523 is a performance-oriented cruising sloop designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau, with production records indicating a single build year of 2001. As a fractional sloop with a displacement of 30864.0 lb and a beam of 16.01 ft, it represents a specific era of Beneteau's large-cabin cruiser designs.
- Best for:
- This vessel suits coastal cruisers and active weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over heavy offshore endurance. Its fractional rig and moderate displacement make it well-suited for couples or small families seeking a comfortable, manageable large boat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 30864.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.05, the boat offers reasonable stability for coastal passages, though its light displacement and fin keel suggest it is better suited for protected waters than heavy ocean crossings.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Beneteau 573 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 52, as they share similar production eras, cabin layouts, and performance-oriented fractional rigs. The Beneteau 523 offers a more compact footprint than the 573 while maintaining similar interior amenities.
Direct variants of the BENETEAU 523
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 60° | 4.4 | 5.9 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| 75° | 4.6 | 6.2 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 6.1 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 9.9 |
| 110° | 4.4 | 6.2 | 7.6 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.5 |
| 120° | 4.3 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9.9 | 10.6 | 11.1 |
| 135° | 3.7 | 5.4 | 6.8 | 7.9 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 9.7 | 10.7 | 11.8 |
| 150° | 3.1 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.9 | 10.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.7 | 3.9 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
15 listings · boat years 1991–2007 · median $183,575
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 53.31ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 2 systems for the BENETEAU 523, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BENETEAU 523? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 4 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your BENETEAU 523?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the BENETEAU 523
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…