FIRST 300 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.69 ft |
| LWL | 29.07 ft |
| Beam | 9.78 ft |
| Draft | 5.97 ft |
| Displacement | 6,724 lb |
| Ballast | 2,424.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
About the FIRST 300 (BENETEAU)
Shallow draft: 1.45m/4.76'
The Beneteau First 300 is a fractional sloop designed by Finot / Conq and built by Beneteau from 1994–1997. With a displacement of 6724.0 lb and a beam of 9.78 ft, this model represents a specific era of Beneteau's performance-oriented cruising line.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and modern fractional rig performance over heavy offshore displacement. Its relatively light displacement and high SA/D ratio of 21.49 make it responsive for short-handed sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.08 and a comfort ratio of 17.04, the First 300 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its lighter displacement and fin keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 323 and First 365, which share similar fractional rig configurations and target the same performance-cruising market. The O'Day 302 and Catalina 305 are also relevant comparisons for owners seeking similar LOA dimensions and coastal cruising capabilities.
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° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 75° | 5.7 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 90° | 5.7 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.3 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Run VMG | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.7 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 300 (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 29.69ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the FIRST 300 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 300 (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 6 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 300 (BENETEAU)?
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: Yanmar, Perkins, Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 300 (BENETEAU)
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