FIRST 28 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.21 ft |
| LWL | 24.28 ft |
| Beam | 9.84 ft |
| Draft | 5.64 ft |
| Displacement | 5,952 lb |
| Ballast | 2,205.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
About the FIRST 28 (BENETEAU)
Shallow draft version: 4.26'.
Designed by Jean-Marie Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1980–1982, the First 28 is a compact masthead sloop with 600 hulls produced. It offers a lightweight displacement of 5952.0 lb and a beam of 9.84 ft, making it a popular choice for coastal cruising and trailerability.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable sailors who prioritize ease of handling and storage over heavy offshore endurance. Its dimensions and weight make it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable package for bay and coastal sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 5952.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.18, the First 28 is primarily a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater vessel, though its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio of 17.19 allow for protected offshore passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 23 and First 30, which share similar Finot designs and target the same trailerable coastal market. Other contemporaries like the O'Day 28 or Catalina 27 offer similar footprints but often with heavier displacement and different rigging configurations.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 3.3 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| 120° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| 135° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.2 |
| 150° | 2.4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.1 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 2.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 28 (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 28.21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 28 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 28 (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 11 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 28 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Bukh, Kubota — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 28 (BENETEAU)
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