Beneteau
Oceanis 40
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We are confirming an exact hull photo for this model. Specifications and survey notes are complete.
You dive waist-deep into the aft locker of a Beneteau Oceanis 40, fingers searching for the hull-to-deck joint. This model replaced the Oceanis 393 in 2007, and this is where charter fatigue often shows first. If the boat worked as a sea taxi for years, cyclic loads can leave cracks and weeping at the joint. Plate window 2007–2011; secondary counts put the run near ~400 hulls (no yard paperwork confirms the exact run), and many boats are leaving charter fleets now. Behind glossy topsides you may find tired saildrive seals or a hard-worked Yanmar 3JH4E in the ~40 hp class.
A listing that prints 12.87 × 4.18 m and years that look open from 2016 is usually borrowing Oceanis 40.1 (Marc Lombard) numbers, not this plate. On the builder's plate this hull is Berret-Racoupeau with Nauta Design interiors at 12.15 × 3.91 m, 2007–2011. Nearby badges include a US "Beneteau 40" label, charter Moorings 41.3 from the same family, a new 40.1, or an older Oceanis 400 (Finot, 1991–1997). Read year and dims from the plate, not the aggregator row.
Two drafts share the name: about 1.90 m standard and about 1.55 m shallow - the shallow option is common on ex-charter hulls and decides winter depth. Twin wheels were the new class norm: survey steering-cable slack and rudder bearings. Before contract, check the aft-locker joint, saildrive diaphragm, winch and cleat mounts, light-oak joinery and Nauta hatches, plus service invoices. A 2008 Cruising World Boat of the Year award speaks to the project, not the present condition of the boat on the pontoon. Ownership in Swedish kronor for a ~12.2 m class often lands near 85–227 thousand a year before major sail or deck campaigns: berth, winter ashore, saildrive work and age-driven rigging eat the band faster than gelcoat shine in the photos.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2007–2011
- LOA
- 12.15 m
- Beam
- 3.91 m
- Model
- Oceanis 40
Key takeaways
- Best for: Berret-Racoupeau / Nauta production cruiser (2007–2011)
- Common issue: charter-exit wear, saildrive seals, and hull-deck weeps
- Typical price: volume ~40 ft band; reject open 2016– and 40.1 dim mix-ups
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 12.15 m
- Beam
- 3.91 m
- Production years
- 2007–2011
Design history
The Beneteau Oceanis 40 is Berret-Racoupeau with Nauta Design interiors, plate 2007–2011, 12.15 × 3.91 m. It replaced the Oceanis 393 and bridged toward New Generation volumes. Cards with open 2016 and 12.87 × 4.18 m inherit Oceanis 40.1 (Lombard) - read the builder's plate, not the aggregator row. Nauta's first Oceanis interior brought light oak and a wide stern; salon comfort does not replace joint and saildrive checks.
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- How do I avoid confusing this model with newer Oceanis yachts?
Match dimensions and designer. The 2007–2011 original is Berret-Racoupeau (12.15 × 3.91 m). If the advert shows 12.87 m or 4.18 m, that is Oceanis 40.1 (Lombard) data. Catalogue years that look open from 2016 do not match this plate.
- What draft options exist?
Standard about 1.90 m and shallow about 1.55 m. The shallow version is common on former charter boats.
- How reliable is the twin-wheel system?
It was new for the class. Usually sound, but check steering-cable slack and rudder bearings.
- Does the 2008 Cruising World award prove this boat?
It speaks to the design, not current condition. Service history and survey decide.
- How does charter history affect longevity?
Cyclic mooring loads can loosen deck hardware. Check winches, cleats, and the hull-to-deck joint in the aft lockers.
- What about Yanmar 3JH4E fuel use?
At cruise, about 3-4 L/h is a common guide. Exact engine can vary by hull - verify on site.
Annual ownership costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 25,000 | 55,000 | ~12.2 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 12,000 | 28,000 | Agreed value; ex-charter surcharges |
| Haul-out + winter | 12,000 | 30,000 | Crane and cradle |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6,000 | 18,000 | Material and labor |
| Engine / saildrive | 7,000 | 22,000 | Yanmar ~40 hp class packages |
| Rigging reserve | 8,000 | 24,000 | Calendar age of wires |
| Sails / deck / systems | 15,000 | 50,000 | Reserve for sails and deck hardware |
| Total annual | 85,000 | 227,000 | Excluding major refit years |
Pre-purchase survey checklist
Survey checklist: Beneteau Oceanis 40
Hull and structure
- Check hull-to-deck joint via aft lockers for weeping and cracks.
- Look for osmosis and gelcoat damage hidden by polish.
- Match the plate: Berret-Racoupeau, 2007–2011, 12.15 × 3.91 m.
Machinery
- Saildrive seals and water in gear oil.
- Yanmar ~40 hp class for leaks and sound insulation.
- Both wheels and steering free of binding.
Interior
- Light-oak finish for moisture damage.
- Nauta deck hatches for leaks.
- Ventilation and lighting in the saloon.
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.7/10: The Oceanis 40 is a Berret-Racoupeau / Nauta production cruiser (2007–2011). Reject open 2016– years and Oceanis 40.1 dim mix-ups; buy the survey, not the badge.
- Pros
- Interior volume for family weeks, deep broker coverage, and easy cross-shop against Jeanneau and Bavaria peers in the same LOA band.
- Cons
- Charter-exit wear, saildrive and deck hardware variance, and systems that age unevenly when heating and electrics were owner-added late.
- Who it suits
- Buyers who want volume and liquidity more than Swedish semi-custom finish and will survey before deposit. Unknown: true engine and seal hours until books open.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial, Last reviewed: 2026-09-11
Owner reviews
Share your experience owning this model. Reviews are moderated before publication.
- Coastal family★★★★☆
Oceanis 40 works for coastal weeks with two kids. We documented standing rigging age and planned replacement at year four.