FIRST 26 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.3 ft |
| LWL | 22.9 ft |
| Beam | 9.2 ft |
| Draft | 4.3 ft |
| Displacement | 4,814 lb |
| Ballast | 1,454.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Engine
| Yanmar | 1GM109 hpSee all 53 parts → |
About the FIRST 26 (BENETEAU)
Keel/CB version: Draft BU: 2.79'/.85m; BD: 5.74'/1.75m Disp.: 4850 lbs./2200 kgs. Ballast: 1543 lbs./700 kgs.
Designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1984–1991, the First 26 is a popular coastal cruiser with a build count of ?. Its 26.3 ft LOA and 4814.0 lb displacement offer a balance of performance and comfort for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and a spacious interior over heavy offshore endurance, making it ideal for single-handers or couples exploring protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 178.96 and a capsize ratio of 2.18, the First 26 is designed for coastal cruising rather than serious bluewater passagemaking, lacking the heavy displacement and robust construction required for extended offshore voyages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 23 and First 28, which share similar Finot designs and production eras, as well as the O'Day 26 and Pearson 26, which offer similar dimensions and coastal cruising roles.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 2.9 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.5 |
| 60° | 3.1 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.9 |
| 75° | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 90° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 110° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 2.8 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| 150° | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.4 |
| Beat VMG | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Run VMG | 2.0 | 2.9 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 26 (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 26.3ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the FIRST 26 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 26 (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 27 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
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 26 (BENETEAU)
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