The 5 Best Beneteau Models to Charter in 2026

Beneteau builds more charter yachts than any other manufacturer. Walk any marina from Split to Athens and you'll count dozens of Oceanis hulls on the pontoons. The lineup now spans five genuinely different boats, and picking the wrong one for your crew size, skill level, or sailing ambitions can turn a good week into a forgettable one. This guide covers the five Beneteau models most widely available on charter fleets in 2026: what each actually feels like under sail and below deck. For full brand history and production details, see our Beneteau brand guide.

1. Oceanis 34.1 , Best Budget Option

Specs

• LOA: 10.34 m (33 ft 11 in)
• Beam: 3.52 m
• Draft: 1.90 m (standard keel)
• Cabins/Berths: 2 cabins / 4 berths (charter version), some with 3 cabins / 6 berths
• Engine: Yanmar 21 hp saildrive
• Water: 200 L • Fuel: 140 L
• Charter price: €1,800–2,800/wk depending on season and base

What it's like to sail

The 34.1 is Beneteau's entry ticket, and she sails better than the price suggests. Displacement sits around 5,200 kg, which means she accelerates quickly in Beaufort 3–4 and points reasonably well at 35–40° apparent. The single rudder tracks predictably, and the mainsheet traveller sits on the coachroof, keeping the cockpit clear. Push into Beaufort 5 and above, though, and the short 9.53 m waterline starts to show: she'll hobby-horse in steep chop, and you'll want to reef earlier than you think. Tacking is straightforward on self-tailing winches, though the standard jib sheets run to the cockpit without clutches, so you're always on the winch.

What it's like to live aboard

The 2-cabin layout works well for a couple or two friends. The forward cabin has a proper island berth with 2.0 m of sleeping length and reasonable storage underneath. The aft cabin is tighter, sharing space with the engine box. Saloon headroom is 1.88 m, fine for anyone under 6 ft 2 in. The galley is compact: two-burner stove, small oven, and a top-loading fridge that holds about 3 days of provisions for two. The single head doubles as the shower.

One honest downside: if you book the 3-cabin version, that third cabin is essentially a crawl-in berth with almost no ventilation. Stick to two cabins unless you have children who won't care.

Who it's perfect for

A couple or two friends on a budget who want a real sail rather than a floating apartment. It's also an excellent boat for learning: light enough to feel the wind's feedback, small enough to single-hand if needed.

2. Oceanis 38.1 , Best for Couples

Specs

• LOA: 11.50 m (37 ft 9 in)
• Beam: 3.99 m
• Draft: 1.98 m (standard keel)
• Cabins/Berths: 2 or 3 cabins / 4–6 berths
• Engine: Yanmar 30 hp saildrive
• Water: 280 L • Fuel: 170 L
• Charter price: €2,200–3,200/wk

What it's like to sail

The 38.1 sits in a sweet spot between agility and stability. At 6,450 kg displacement with a wider beam than the 34.1, she stands up to gusts better and holds her composure through Beaufort 4–5 chop. The stepped hull adds 0.3–0.5 kn of boat speed over older Oceanis 38 models. Under genoa alone she'll make 5.5–6 kn in 15 kn true wind. The helm is well-balanced on a twin-wheel setup, and with the transom freed up, getting into the water at anchor takes about three seconds.

What it's like to live aboard

This is where the 38.1 earns its reputation as a couples' boat. The 2-cabin layout gives you a large forward owner's cabin with an en-suite head and a separate shower stall: a feature you'd normally find on a 42-footer. The saloon sofa converts to a double for occasional guests. Headroom is 1.96 m. The L-shaped galley has a 3-burner stove, a front-opening 130 L fridge, and enough counter space to prep dinner for four without stacking things on the chart table. Storage lockers run along both sides of the hull, offering roughly 40% more volume than the 34.1.

Who it's perfect for

Couples who want space, comfort, and a genuinely enjoyable sail at a moderate price. It also suits two couples in the 3-cabin version: that second aft cabin is actually usable, unlike the 34.1's add-on. More detail in our best yachts for couples guide.

3. Oceanis 40.1 , Best All-Rounder

Specs

• LOA: 12.87 m (39 ft 6 in)
• Beam: 4.18 m
• Draft: 2.08 m (standard keel)
• Cabins/Berths: 3 cabins / 6–8 berths
• Engine: Yanmar 45 hp saildrive
• Water: 370 L • Fuel: 210 L
• Charter price: €2,400–3,800/wk

What it's like to sail

The 40.1 is Beneteau's most chartered monohull worldwide, and the numbers explain why. At 8,100 kg displacement she's stiff enough to carry full sail comfortably up to Beaufort 5, and with the deep keel option she points at 32–35° apparent. Upwind in 18 kn true wind, expect 6.5–7 kn of boat speed. The twin-rudder system gives you real feedback through the wheel: you feel the boat rather than just steering it. Tacking is predictable, and the self-tacking jib option, standard on many charter boats, makes short-handed sailing genuinely easy. For a direct comparison with a rival, see our Oceanis 40.1 vs Dufour 41 review.

What it's like to live aboard

Three proper cabins, each with a real door, a hanging locker, and at least 1.85 m headroom. The forward owner's cabin has an island berth, en-suite head, and separate shower. The two aft cabins share a second head. The galley runs along the port side: 3-burner stove, oven, dual sinks, and a 150 L front-opening fridge. Saloon headroom is 2.03 m. The cockpit table seats 6 adults for dinner, and the fold-down transom puts you at water level rather than climbing over a rail.

One honest downside: the aft cabins share a thin bulkhead, and sound carries.

Who it's perfect for

Groups of 4–6, families with kids, or any crew that wants one boat handling everything competently. It won't outpoint the First 44 upwind or match the 46.1's interior volume, but it's the safest all-round pick in the fleet. See how it stands against the competition in our best 40-foot charter yachts guide.

4. Oceanis 46.1 , Best for Large Groups

Specs

• LOA: 14.60 m (47 ft 11 in)
• Beam: 4.50 m
• Draft: 2.25 m (standard keel)
• Cabins/Berths: 3–5 cabins / 6–10 berths
• Engine: Yanmar 57 hp saildrive
• Water: 530 L • Fuel: 280 L
• Charter price: €3,000–4,500/wk

What it's like to sail

At 10,500 kg displacement and a 14.6 m waterline, the 46.1 carries momentum through lulls and handles confused seas with authority. She's slow to accelerate, but once she's moving at 7+ kn in Beaufort 4 the ride is steady and settled. The twin wheels sit far aft and give good visibility over the coachroof. One thing to know before you book: most charter versions carry the standard in-mast furling system, which costs around 10–15% of upwind performance compared to a slab-reefed main. You'll feel it on long beats. On a reach or downwind in 15–20 kn, though, she's a joy, making 7.5–8 kn without any fuss.

What it's like to live aboard

This is the boat where 8 adults can spend a week without anyone going quietly mad. The 4-cabin version gives each pair a proper double berth, and both heads have separate shower stalls. Saloon headroom is 2.05 m. The U-shaped galley is genuinely functional: 3-burner stove, large oven, 200 L fridge with a separate freezer compartment, and counter space for two people to cook at once. The cockpit table seats 8, and a transom garage stows the dinghy neatly. The 530 L water tank means you can go 3–4 days between fill-ups with a full crew. Pair this with our provisioning guide to make the most of that galley.

Who it's perfect for

Groups of 6–10, whether that's the classic friends' sailing trip or a multi-family holiday. At €3,000–4,500/wk split eight ways, the per-person cost undercuts most hotel alternatives. A strong pick for families with children who need room to spread out without anyone counting the minutes until the next anchorage.

5. First 44 , Best for Sailors

Specs

• LOA: 13.31 m (43 ft 8 in)
• Beam: 4.29 m
• Draft: 2.30 m (deep keel)
• Cabins/Berths: 3 cabins / 6 berths
• Engine: Yanmar 57 hp saildrive
• Water: 350 L • Fuel: 200 L
• Charter price: €3,500–5,000/wk

What it's like to sail

The First 44 belongs to Beneteau's performance line, and the difference from any Oceanis is obvious on the first tack. Designed by Sam Manuard, the hull carries hard chines aft and a deep T-bulb keel that keeps the boat flat under load. She points at 28–30° apparent and makes 7.5–8 kn upwind in 16 kn true wind. In Beaufort 5 she accelerates to 8.5+ kn on a close reach. The helm is direct, almost sporty: you feel every pressure shift through the twin wheels. The standard sail plan includes a square-top mainsail and a high-clew jib, giving performance-focused crews real options to play with.

This is the boat that makes you want to skip the next anchorage and keep sailing.

What it's like to live aboard

Here's the trade-off. The First 44 puts deck layout and sail handling ahead of below-deck volume. The interior is well-finished, with leather-wrapped handholds and teak joinery, but the 3 cabins run about 10% smaller than those on the Oceanis 46.1 despite similar LOA. The galley is functional rather than generous, with a 130 L fridge. Headroom is 1.98 m. Where the First 44 wins below deck is build quality: reinforced hull stringers, oversized sea cocks, and a fit-and-finish closer to a semi-custom yacht than a production boat. It's comfortable for a week. You're here for the sailing, not the sofa.

Who it's perfect for

Experienced sailors, minimum RYA Day Skipper or equivalent, who want to feel the boat perform. Couples or small crews of 3–4 who consider sailing the main activity rather than transport between anchorages. Charter availability is more limited than the Oceanis range, with most boats based in Croatia, southern France, and the Balearics.

Quick Comparison Table

Model	LOA	Cabins	Displacement	Engine	Best For	Price/Week
Oceanis 34.1	10.34 m	2–3	5,200 kg	21 hp	Budget	€1,800–2,800
Oceanis 38.1	11.50 m	2–3	6,450 kg	30 hp	Couples	€2,200–3,200
Oceanis 40.1	12.87 m	3	8,100 kg	45 hp	All-rounder	€2,400–3,800
Oceanis 46.1	14.60 m	3–5	10,500 kg	57 hp	Large groups	€3,000–4,500
First 44	13.31 m	3	~8,800 kg	57 hp	Sailors	€3,500–5,000

Choose Based on Your Crew and Priorities

There's no single best Beneteau. Only the best Beneteau for your trip. The charter market in 2026 gives you a genuine spread from €1,800 to €5,000 per week, and each model earns its price in a different way. Before booking, confirm the exact layout: the 2-cabin and 3-cabin versions sail differently when loaded, and the difference matters. Check the boat's age too. A 2022 Oceanis 40.1 will feel substantially better than a 2018 model with 40+ charter weeks per year behind it. Use our guide to reading charter listings to spot the details that matter, then run through the handover checklist before you step aboard.

For an honest look at what chartering actually costs beyond the base rate, see our 2026 prices and trends overview.