FIRST 24 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.61 ft |
| LWL | 20.67 ft |
| Beam | 8.2 ft |
| Draft | 4.8 ft/ 2.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,602 lb |
| Ballast | 1,101.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.1 kn |
About the FIRST 24 (BENETEAU)
A Centerboard version was also available. Draft BU: 2.62 BD: 5.25
Designed by Group Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1982–1985, the First 24 is a popular fractional sloop with 677 hulls produced. It is a lightweight, performance-oriented cruiser known for its responsive handling and extensive owner modification culture.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize speed and ease of single-handed sailing over heavy offshore comfort, given its light displacement and fractional rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 3602.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.14, the boat is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its light weight and fin keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 23 and First 26, which share similar design philosophies and eras, as well as the O'Day 23 and Pearson 24 for those seeking similar coastal cruising capabilities with different hull forms.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(5 certificates)
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° | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| 60° | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| 90° | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| 110° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 10.2 |
| 120° | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 11.2 |
| 135° | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 9.0 | 10.2 | 13.1 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 11.8 |
| Beat VMG | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.7 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 10.2 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 24 (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 24.61ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
31 reported issues across 10 systems for the FIRST 24 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 24 (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 31 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 24 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 24 (BENETEAU)
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