FIRST 305 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.5 ft |
| LWL | 26.75 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft |
| Shoal Draft | 4.33 ft(1.32 m) |
| Displacement | 8,242 lb |
| Ballast | 2,976.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.65 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.28 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.01 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.69 ft |
Engine
| Beta Marine | Beta 2525 hpSee all 358 parts → |
| Volvo Penta | 200218 hpSee all 17 parts → |
About the FIRST 305 (BENETEAU)
Offered with a number of different keel and rig combinations. First promoted in the US under the name F305. Alt. SHORT RIG: I: 37.65'/11.48m J: 11.28'/3.44m P: 32.01'/9.76m E: 10.69'/3.26m
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau, the First 305 is a compact masthead sloop with a production run starting in 1985. With a displacement of 8242.0 lb and a beam of 10.5 ft, it offers a comfortable interior for its 30.5 ft LOA, though the exact total hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, trailerable package with a comfortable cabin, rather than serious bluewater passagemakers.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.08 and moderate displacement, it is suitable for protected coastal waters but lacks the heavy displacement and structural robustness for extended offshore passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Beneteau First 27.5 and First 335, as well as the O'Day 30 and Catalina 30, due to similar dimensions, trailerability, and role as entry-level cruising sloops from the same era.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(15 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° | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| 75° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.3 |
| 110° | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 305 (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 30.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
28 reported issues across 9 systems for the FIRST 305 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 305 (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 28 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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Beta Marine Beta 25
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 305 (BENETEAU)
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