FIRST 345 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 36.09 ft |
| LWL | 29.2 ft |
| Beam | 11.48 ft |
| Draft | 6.23 ft |
| Displacement | 12,125 lb |
| Ballast | 4,408.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 45 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.7 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 258.33 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 430.56 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 959.6 sq ft |
About the FIRST 345 (BENETEAU)
LOD: 10.55 m / 34.61 ft Shallow draft: 1.35 m / 4.43 ft SA (reported) above = Main + Genoa. Sail area: -Main: 24m² / 258.33 ft² -Genoa: 40 m² / 430.56 ft² -Jib: 23 m² / 247.57 ft² -Storm jib: 7.65 m² / 82.34 ft² -Spinnaker: 89.15 m² / 959.6 ft² SA (100%): 534.06 ft2/49.61 m2
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau from 1984–1988, the First 345 is a popular masthead sloop with 460 hulls produced. It is widely recognized for its comfortable interior and performance, though owners frequently report structural concerns regarding the keel sump and deck core integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over heavy offshore durability. Its moderate displacement and beam make it ideal for protected waters and short passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 12125.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.0, the boat is generally considered suitable for coastal cruising rather than serious bluewater voyaging due to reported structural vulnerabilities in the keel and deck.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 36 and First 365, which share similar design philosophies and interior layouts. It also competes with the Hallberg-Rassy 34 and Oyster 36 for those seeking a similar length but with different offshore credentials.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(7 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° | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 60° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 75° | 4.0 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 90° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.9 |
| 110° | 3.7 | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| 135° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 9.1 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Run VMG | 2.3 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 345 (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 36.09ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 10 systems for the FIRST 345 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 345 (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 23 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 345 (BENETEAU)?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 345 (BENETEAU)
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