Beneteau Oceanis 48 for sale

Yachting Address Review — Bénéteau Océanis 48: the big brother of the Océanis 45 and a mature second-hand market

The Océanis 48 is the natural link between the Océanis 45 — one of the best-selling cruising sailing yachts in recent history — and 50-foot-and-above models. Produced from 2011 to 2017, it shares with the Océanis 45 the same design philosophy, the same architects, and the same use logic. But its 14.27-metre hull gives it what the 45 cannot offer: a genuinely independent third cabin, a more generous saloon, and the ability to comfortably host an extended family or six-person crew for a two-week cruise.

Finot-Conq + Nauta Design: the same team, one size up

The Océanis 48's hull is signed by Finot-Conq — the same studio that draws the Océanis 45, Océanis 30.1, and much of the Bénéteau range of this generation. The interiors are signed by Nauta Design — the same Milanese studio as the new Lagoon 47 and the Océanis 45.

For buyers familiar with the Océanis 45, this information is reassuring: the Océanis 48 sails with the same maritime profile as the 45 — fine hull, healthy windward behaviour, confident downwind stability — but in a format that accommodates more provisions, houses more people comfortably, and extends passage-making capacity between stopovers.

What the lengths mean on this page

Listings display two lengths — 14.27 metres and 14.60 metres — for the same model. The distinction is the usual measurement convention: 14.27 metres is the Océanis 48's standard hull length; 14.60 metres is the overall length including the stern platform and appendages. It is the same boat in both cases. For a marina berth, plan for a 15-metre space to be comfortable.

Interior configurations: 3, 4 or 5 cabins

The Océanis 48 follows the same configuration logic as the Océanis 45, with options corresponding to very different uses.

The 3-cabin owner's version maximises per-cabin comfort and saloon space. The Owner's Version — with private forward saloon instead of the third cabin — creates a very high-quality owner's suite at the bow, a configuration rivalling 50-foot-and-above boats.

The 4-cabin version is the standard family configuration — four double cabins for eight berths, two complete heads.

The 5-cabin version is the intensive charter configuration — five cabins for ten berths. On 2012-2017 examples from Mediterranean charter fleets, this version accumulates years of intensive use that leave visible traces on winches, cushions, carpets and onboard electronics. Inspection of a 5-cabin charter example must be significantly more rigorous than a same model-year owner's example.

The Yanmar SailDrive: vigilance amplified by age

The Océanis 48 is powered by a Yanmar SailDrive — typically a 57 hp engine on standard versions, up to 75 hp on some configurations. This is the same architecture as the Océanis 45, with the same central vigilance point: the SailDrive bellows joint.

Listings on this page cover 2012 to 2017 model years. In 2026, these boats are between 9 and 14 years old. The SailDrive bellows joint has a recommended lifespan of 5 to 7 years depending on use conditions. On virtually all these examples, it has been replaced at least once — and on the oldest (2012-2013), it is approaching or has exceeded a second replacement cycle.

On a 14-metre yacht whose overall maintenance has been done seriously, this replacement is documented with date and invoice. On a charter fleet or informally-maintained example, this replacement may never have been done — or done without documentation. This is the first question to ask before any viewing.

What the second-hand market reveals

The Océanis 48 market is mature — the ten listings on this page cover boats from 9 to 14 years old, and prices are well-documented by a decade of transactions.

The range runs from €170,000 ex-VAT for a 2015 in Trapani to €249,000 incl. VAT for a 2016 in Malta. This spread reflects several factors: model year difference, configuration (3-cabin owner's vs 5-cabin charter), overall condition and equipment level.

The six Italian listings (Liguria, Tuscany, Sicily, Palermo, Trapani) confirm the usual Italian dominance in the Bénéteau second-hand sailing yacht market in the Mediterranean.

Océanis 48 against generation competitors

Against the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509, the Océanis 48 is slightly shorter but offers comparable habitability. The Finot-Conq hull is generally recognised as more performance-oriented than some SO 509 versions.

Against the Bavaria C50, the Océanis 48 has better interior finish (Nauta Design vs Bavaria design) and benefits from a denser Bénéteau service network in the Mediterranean. Bavaria is generally slightly cheaper second-hand.

Against the Dufour 512, the Océanis 48 is slightly smaller but comparable in sailing philosophy.

What to check when buying second-hand

Yanmar SailDrive bellows — absolute first point. Request the date and invoice of last replacement(s). On a 2012-2013 boat, this is a replacement you will likely need to make within 2-3 years of purchase if not recent — budget €600 to €1,200.

Charter vs owner version — condition of winches, deck hardware and interior equipment is the best indicator of intensive use. A 5-cabin charter fleet example with 6 intensive Mediterranean seasons may have accumulated the equivalent of 15-20 years of moderate owner use.

Sails — on boats of 9-14 years, the original mainsail (approximately 60-65 m² depending on version) is likely due for replacement. Budget new mainsail on a 48: €7,000 to €15,000 depending on quality. Furling genoa: €4,000 to €8,000.

Electronics — original 2012-2015 installations are entirely obsolete. Complete update budget: €8,000 to €20,000 on a yacht of this size.

Hull structure — moisture meter survey during haul-out is the non-negotiable condition of a serious purchase on boats of this age.

Océanis 48 market prices in 2025-2026

Indicative ranges, market May 2026. VAT included unless otherwise stated. 5-cabin charter versions negotiate 15-25% below these ranges.

Our verdict

The Océanis 48 is the serious alternative to the Océanis 45 for buyers who need an additional cabin, a more generous saloon, or simply the peace of mind of a slightly larger boat for offshore sailing. Its market is mature, its prices well-documented, and its weaknesses known and predictable — making it a rational purchase for the informed buyer who does their verification seriously. The sensible entry point is a 2014-2015 owner's example in good condition between €200,000 and €230,000 incl. VAT, with a recent SailDrive bellows and serviceable sails.