FIRST 35S5 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 35.42 ft |
| LWL | 29.36 ft |
| Beam | 11.83 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 11,460 lb |
| Ballast | 4,189.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44.62 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.64 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.27 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.09 ft |
About the FIRST 35S5 (BENETEAU)
Available with taller rig. Shoal draft wing keel: 4.75'
Designed by Jean Berret and Philippe Starck, the Beneteau First 35S5 was built by Beneteau between 1988 and 1994, with a total production of 430 hulls. This fractional sloop is characterized by a displacement of 11460.0 lb and a beam of 11.83 ft, offering a blend of performance and interior volume typical of late-80s European designs.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling, as evidenced by the high frequency of dodger, cockpit canvas, and bimini installations. It is well-suited for owners willing to perform routine maintenance on its complex deck hardware and rigging, given the prevalence of Harken components and fractional rig upgrades.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.1 and a displacement of 11460.0 lb, the First 35S5 is primarily designed for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages, although some owners have equipped them with watermakers and robust anchoring systems for offshore use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 34 and First 36, which share similar fractional rig configurations and interior layouts from the same era. It also competes with the Hallberg-Rassy 35 and O'Day 35, though the First 35S5 distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement of 11460.0 lb and a more performance-oriented fractional sloop rig.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 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° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| 90° | 5.9 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 5.6 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 35S5 (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 35.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 35S5 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 35S5 (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 20 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 35S5 (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 35S5 (BENETEAU)
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