FIRST 32 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.5 ft |
| LWL | 27.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.8 ft |
| Draft | 5.82 ft |
| Shoal Draft | 4.42 ft(1.35 m) |
| Displacement | 8,390 lb |
| Ballast | 3,309.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 40.3 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | MD7B17.5 hpSee all 12 parts → |
About the FIRST 32 (BENETEAU)
Fractional and shorter, masthead rig also available. Also called BENETEAU R/C 32 in US. Masthead (tall): I: 41.8 J: 11.9 P: 36.1 E: 11.8
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1980–1984, the First 32 is a fractional sloop with a displacement of 8390.0 lb and a beam of 10.8 ft. Owner reports highlight significant structural concerns, particularly regarding deck core moisture and keel integrity, which are critical factors for potential buyers.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over heavy offshore performance, provided they are prepared for immediate structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 172.09 and a capsize ratio of 2.13, the boat is moderately stable but its bluewater capability is severely compromised by widespread reports of keel smile/sump cracking and deck core rot.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Beneteau 323 and O'Day 32 from the same era, these boats share similar fractional sloop rigs and cabin layouts, though the First 32 is noted for its specific structural vulnerabilities.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 75° | 3.8 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.4 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.7 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 32 (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 32.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
24 reported issues across 9 systems for the FIRST 32 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 32 (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 24 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
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.
Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 32 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…