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96data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU) buyer’s report
FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU)

FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU)

Beneteau🇫🇷· Design: Jean Berret/ Philippe Starck
1989–1994
$1.6K – $4.2K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA32.5 ft
LWL27.83 ft
Beam10.83 ft
Draft6 ft
Displacement9,260 lb
Ballast2,979.9 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.1 kn

About the FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU)

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Beneteau First 32S5, designed by Jean Berret and Philippe Starck, was built between 1989 and 1994. This model represents a distinct era of Beneteau production, characterized by its fractional sloop rig and specific dimensional profile including a 32.5 ft LOA and 9260.0 lb displacement.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior aesthetics and ease of handling over heavy offshore endurance. Its relatively light displacement and high sail area-to-displacement ratio make it responsive for short-handed sailing in protected waters.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.07 and a comfort ratio of 20.5, the boat is generally considered suitable for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its lighter displacement and fin keel design.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 32 (non-S5) and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32, as they share similar production eras and target the same market of stylish, performance-oriented coastal cruisers. The First 32S5 distinguishes itself with its specific interior design by Philippe Starck and fractional rig configuration.

Performance

Comfort20.5
Capsize2.07
SA/Disp16.6
Disp/Len192
Bal/Disp32.2

ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

24680°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH700.3 s/miOSN676.5

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.83631.09671.2451Inshore0.64500.88531.0437

ORC Measured

Displacement4582 kg (10102 lb)Wetted surface22.5 m² (242 ft²)

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main29.5 m² (317 ft²)Genoa20.8 m² (223 ft²)Spinnaker56.5 m² (609 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS681012141620
52°4.65.56.26.56.76.86.8
60°4.95.86.46.76.97.07.1
75°5.26.16.66.97.17.37.5
90°5.26.16.77.07.27.37.8
110°5.06.16.77.07.37.78.2
120°4.95.96.66.97.27.58.3
135°4.45.46.26.77.07.38.0
150°3.84.75.66.36.77.07.6
Beat VMG3.03.64.14.44.74.84.8
Run VMG3.34.14.85.56.26.67.2

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 32S5 (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.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.6K – $4.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

10 reported issues across 6 systems for the FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

4 critical4 major2 minor
Rigging3Rudder2Hull2Engine1Structural1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a FIRST 32S5 (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 10 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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Which engine powers your FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU)?

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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the FIRST 32S5 (BENETEAU)

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