FIRST 22 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 22.8 ft |
| LWL | 18.04 ft |
| Beam | 8.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft/ 2.13 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,425 lb |
| Ballast | 926.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
About the FIRST 22 (BENETEAU)
A fixed keel version was also available.
Designed by Jean-Marie Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1978–1983, the First 22 is a compact fractional sloop with 763 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 2425.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 24.88 reflect a design prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers, weekend racers, and single-handers who value a trailerable package with responsive sailing characteristics. It is ideal for sailors seeking a manageable entry-level cruiser that can be easily stored and transported.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2425.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.44, the First 22 is primarily a coastal cruiser with limited bluewater capability due to its light construction and narrow beam.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 22, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable dimensions from the late 1970s. These models offer similar coastal cruising capabilities with comparable beam and draft profiles.
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 |
| 60° | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.3 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 4.4 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.0 |
| 110° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 8.0 |
| 120° | 4.4 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 8.6 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.6 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 22 (BENETEAU) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 22.8ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 22 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 22 (BENETEAU)? 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 20 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 FIRST 22 (BENETEAU)?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 22 (BENETEAU)
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