FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.5 ft |
| LWL | 26.97 ft |
| Beam | 10.66 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Shoal Draft version | 4.33 ft(1.32 m) |
| Displacement | 7,055 lb |
| Ballast | 2,865.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33.6 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28.4 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11 ft |
About the FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)
Based on 'King One',FIRST EVOLUTION, 1981 Int. 1/2 ton cup winner. (sailed by Paul Elvstrom) For racing the "ES" version was also available with a lead keel and keel stepped rig. ALT. RIGS: SHORT- I: 33.6'/10.24m J: 11.3'/3.44m P: 28.4'/8.66m E: 11.0'/3.35m TALL- I: 39.2'/10.03m J: 11.3'/3.44m P: 33.8'/10.30m E: 11.3'/3.44m (Not the same as an earlier FIRST 30, introduced in 1976 and designed by Andre Mauric.) (Yet another FIRST 30 was introduced in 2011, designed by Juan K.)
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1981–1984, the First 30 E is a classic coastal cruiser with a production run of 443 hulls. It offers a comfortable interior and manageable handling, though owners report significant structural maintenance needs typical of this era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing or heavy offshore passage-making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 7055.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.23, the boat is moderately stable but generally considered better suited for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater voyaging due to its relatively light displacement and fin keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 30 (non-E) and the O'Day 30, as they share similar beamy, comfortable layouts and target the same recreational cruising market from the early 1980s.
Direct variant of the FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 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° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 3.8 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.6 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET) 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 30.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)? 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 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Renault, Kubota — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 30 E (BENETEAU - BERRET)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…