FIRST 38 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40.2 ft |
| LWL | 33.85 ft |
| Beam | 12.8 ft |
| Draft | 6.9 ft |
| Displacement | 17,636 lb |
| Ballast | 6,613.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.42 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.83 ft |
| SA total | 667.11 sq ft |
| Rig | I | J | P | E | SA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short rig | 47.00 | 14.42 | 42.60 | 13.83 | — |
Engine
| Perkins | 4-10850 hpSee all 173 parts → |
About the FIRST 38 (BENETEAU)
AKA (in the US) as the BENETEAU 38. The MOORINGS 38/39 (shoal draft with shorter rig) is similar with some changes to the interior more oriented to the charter trade. Hull length: 11.75m / 38.55 ft Reported sail area above includes main + genoa A number of keel and rig options were available. Shoal draft 1: 5.5'/1.68m. Shoal draft 2: 4.9'/1.49. Taller Rig: I: 50.20'/15.30m J: 14.42'/4.39m P: 44.30'/13.50m E: 13.83'/4.21m Tot. SA: 667.11 ft2/61.97 m2 Tot. SA: 633.45ft2/ 58.85m2
Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau in France, the First 38 is a classic 1982 masthead sloop with a production run of a single year. With a displacement of 17636.0 lb and a beam of 12.8 ft, this vessel represents a specific era of French cruising yacht construction.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform with a comfort ratio of 25.56, though prospective buyers must be prepared for significant structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.97 and a D/L ratio of 202.99, the hull form suggests moderate offshore capability, but critical structural issues regarding the keel and deck core significantly limit its bluewater readiness without extensive repair.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other early 1980s European cruising sloops like the Beneteau 36 or Oyster 36, it shares similar displacement and beam characteristics but is distinguished by its specific single-year production and Jean Berret design.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(12 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 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 4.0 | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 3.8 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 5.1 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| 135° | 3.2 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.9 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 38 (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 40.2ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
28 reported issues across 9 systems for the FIRST 38 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 38 (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 28 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 38 (BENETEAU)
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