FIRST 35 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 35.17 ft |
| LWL | 28.83 ft |
| Beam | 12.17 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Shoal Draft | 4.42 ft(1.35 m) |
| Displacement | 10,485 lb |
| Ballast | 4,850.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Pmainsail luff | 17.95 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.8 ft |
About the FIRST 35 (BENETEAU)
Based on IOR 3/4 ton racer. Referred to in the US as BENETEAU R/C 35. IDYLLE 11.50 based on the same hull.
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau (FRA), the First 35 is a classic 1980-era cruiser with a production run of 455 hulls. This data-driven synthesis highlights that while the boat offers a comfortable cruising platform, owners report significant structural concerns regarding the keel sump and deck core that require careful evaluation.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing or extreme bluewater endurance. Its moderate displacement and fin keel design make it accessible for couples or small families seeking a manageable 35-foot package.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 10485.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.23, the First 35 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended offshore passages, particularly given the reported structural vulnerabilities in the keel and deck.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau 36 and the O'Day 36, which share similar beam dimensions and interior volume priorities. These vessels are comparable because they represent the transition from heavy displacement cruisers to lighter, more performance-oriented designs of the early 1980s.
Direct variant of the FIRST 35 (BENETEAU)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(82 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° | 3.9 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 4.3 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| 90° | 4.4 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| 110° | 4.4 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| 120° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.3 | 10.0 |
| 135° | 3.7 | 5.2 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 11.3 |
| 150° | 3.1 | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.9 | 10.1 |
| Beat VMG | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.7 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.9 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 35 (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 35.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 10 systems for the FIRST 35 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 35 (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 27 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 35 (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, Volvo Penta, Perkins, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 35 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…