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77data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU) buyer’s report
FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU)

FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU)

Beneteau🇫🇷· Design: Jean Berret/Phillippe Starck
from 1990
$2.7K – $7.3K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA41.33 ft
LWL33.58 ft
Beam12.75 ft
Draft7.2 ft
Displacement16,800 lb
Ballast5,750.6 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.8 kn

Rig & Sails

Pmainsail luff17.72 ft
Emainsail foot16.73 ft

About the FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU)

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Beneteau First 41S5, designed by Jean Berret and Phillipe Starck, is a performance-oriented fractional sloop built by Beneteau in 1990. With a displacement of 16800.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 198.07, it offers a balance of speed and comfort, though the exact number of hulls built is not definitively recorded in the source data.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize sailing dynamics over heavy bluewater ruggedness, particularly those interested in upgrading the standard rigging and electronics for a more modern experience.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.99 and a comfort ratio of 24.37, the First 41S5 is best suited for coastal and nearshore passages rather than extended bluewater voyaging, given its relatively light displacement and fin keel design.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 40.7 and the J/120, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs, light displacement characteristics, and a focus on racing-capable cruising from the same late-1980s to early-1990s era.

Performance

Comfort24.4
Capsize1.99
SA/Disp18.2
Disp/Len198
Bal/Disp34.2

ORC Performance Data(8 certificates)

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

Polar Diagram

2468100°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
4kn6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20kn24knbeat VMGrun VMG

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

Racing Ratings

GPH617.2 s/miOSN600.9

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.82281.08211.2067Inshore0.63170.86840.9935

ORC Measured

Displacement7536 kg (16618 lb)Wetted surface31.5 m² (339 ft²)Stability index77.3

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main46.4 m² (499 ft²)Genoa41.7 m² (449 ft²)Spinnaker64.4 m² (694 ft²)Asymmetric62.8 m² (676 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS468101214162024
52°3.75.16.16.87.17.37.47.57.4
60°4.05.46.47.07.37.57.67.77.7
75°4.25.76.77.27.67.87.98.18.2
90°4.15.76.87.47.88.08.18.48.6
110°4.15.76.97.68.08.38.69.09.4
120°4.05.56.77.57.98.28.69.310.0
135°3.44.96.17.07.68.08.39.110.2
150°2.84.15.26.27.07.57.88.59.2
Beat VMG2.33.34.04.64.95.05.15.25.1
Run VMG2.43.54.55.46.16.67.07.78.3

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 41S5 (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 41.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.7K – $7.3K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

9 reported issues across 5 systems for the FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical4 major3 minor
Interior3Rudder2Keel2Structural1Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a FIRST 41S5 (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 9 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 41S5 (BENETEAU)?

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

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Used sails that fit the FIRST 41S5 (BENETEAU)

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